With Power as ROLE MODEL comes RESPONSIBILITIES...

Update: February 6, 2009

Record-setting Olympic champion Michael Phelps has been banned for three months by USA Swimming. This decision is done not simply because anti-doping rule was violated, but to to send a strong message to Michael because he disappointed so many people, particularly the hundreds of thousands of USA Swimming member kids who look up to him as a role model and a hero.

Phelps accepted the ban. He intends to work hard to regain everyone's trust. The photograph was taken at a November (2008) party at the University of South Carolina which was published by British tabloid newspaper News of the World last Sunday (February 1, 2009).

Phelps has repeatedly apologized for the incident
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20090206/ts_nm/us_swimming_phelps

Michael Phelps was photographed in a British newspaper inhaling from a marijuana pipe. He has embarrassed himself after a triumphant Olympics, his picture was snapped as he inhaled from a marijuana pipe. He apologized http://extras.newsoftheworld.co.uk/downloads/phelps_big_0102.jpg

Michael Phelps has admitted to "regrettable behaviour" htthttp://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7864011.stm

"I engaged in behavior which was regrettable and demonstrated bad judgment," Michael Phelps said. "For this, I am sorry. I promise my fans and the public it will not happen again."

Michael Phelps is a role model, and he is well aware of the responsibilities and accountability that come with setting a positive example for others, particularly young people. In this instance, regrettably, he failed to fulfill those responsibilities.

Michael Phelps is a great Olympic champion," the International Olympic Committee said. We have no reason to doubt his sincerity and his commitment to continue to act as a role model. Overall, Phelps has won 16 Olympic medals: six gold and two bronze at Athens in 2004, and eight gold at Beijing in 2008. In January 2009 he was named the United States Olympic Committee's sportsman of the year for 2008.