Michael Phelps drunk driving
Posted by: Fashion Blog on: February 6, 2009
Michael Phelps’ life would be easier if he took the attitude of Charles Barkley, who famously told us not to expect athletes to be role models.
Phelps is different, though. He has talked like he wants the job of role model.
That is why it is fair to expect more from a man who was picked up for drunk driving in 2004, and has now been caught on film, sticking his head down a marijuana pipe.
It is also why we should give him a third (and final) chance, but not simply whitewash his most recent goof.
To his credit, Phelps does not whitewash himself.
“I promise to my fans and the public it will never happen again,” he said.
What won’t happen? It is an important, unanswered question.
Is Phelps promising never to smoke pot again? Or simply not to be so careless as to get caught again?
The first is a far-reaching promise, easier made than done. The second is a mere public relations ploy that is all about image, whether the image matches the truth or not.
How people look at this episode depends on how they feel about marijuana. Some will never be OK with it; to others, who look at pot as casual recreation, Phelps’ only problem was getting caught.
But it is a problem. Even after Massachusetts voters decriminalized possession of small amounts, Springfield and other cities are considering tougher local laws.
In less liberal South Carolina, Phelps could face criminal charges.
Until now, Phelps has said he accepts the price of his fishbowl existence. This is more admirable than Barkley’s way, but much harder.
Of course, Barkley made multi-millions off his NBA contracts. There is no pro swim league for Phelps.
His payoff relies heavily on endorsements, which require him to be admired.
The public scrutiny has caused Phelps to say he’s not sure if he will compete in the 2012 Olympics.
That could be a hasty reaction to an embarrassment. But if Phelps skips the Games, it will show he’s decided the price of being a star is too high after all.
I hope he does not do that. Phelps’ image is far from beyond repair.
It’s the adults who demand perfection from their heroes. The kids who relate to Phelps generally accept we are all heroes in life sometimes, and screw-ups at other times.
If Phelps can avoid another blunder, he can tell those kids, “I messed up. You might, too, but keep trying to be better, because tomorrow is still in your control.”
That is a great message. A lot of kids would relate to it, much more than they would to Mr. Perfect.
The trick is, Phelps is out of do-overs. I hope he doesn’t give up on being a role model.
I’m rooting for a guy who has run out of wiggle room at age 23, but still has a lot to offer the public, as long as he avoids strike three.
source:http://www.masslive.com/sports/index.ssf/2009/02/michael_phelps_deserves_anothe.html?category=Columnists&category=Ron%20Chimelis
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