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No charges will be filed against American swim star Michael Phelps from his being photographed with a pipe typically used to smoke marijuana, police announced on Monday.
Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott said that after a full investigation into the November party at which Phelps was photographed, touching off a controversy that led to a three-month ban, there was not enough evidence to charge anyone.
"Having thoroughly investigated this matter, we do not believe we have enough evidence to prosecute anyone that was present at the November party," Lott said.
Phelps, who won a record eight gold medals at the Beijing Olympics six months ago, was shown holding a bong in a photograph published two weeks ago by a British newspaper, humiliating the superstar swimmer.
"I'm glad this matter is put to rest," Phelps said in a statement. "But there are also some important lessons that I've learned. For me, it's all about recognizing that I used bad judgment and it's a mistake I won't make again."
Phelps, 24, apologized for inappropriate behavior and was suspended for three months by USA Swimming. He also lost a sponsorship deal with cereal maker Kelloggs but now hopes the matter is in his wake and a lesson to others.
"For young people especially -- be careful about the decisions you make. One bad decision can really hurt you and the people you care about," Phelps said.
"I really appreciate the support my family and fans have shown me and now I will move forward and dive back into the pool, having put this whole thing behind me."
Police confiscated the bong, whose owner reportedly tried to sell the now-infamous pipe for 100,000 dollars on eBay, and questioned people regarding the party after learning it was staged near the University of South Carolina.
But Lott said he could not prove Phelps smoked marijuana.
"We had a photo and him saying he was sorry for inappropriate behavior," Lott said. "He never said, 'I smoked marijuana.' We didn't have physical evidence."
Lott had been criticized by some for seeking attention in going after Phelps but defended his inquiry as responsible law-enforcement given the situation.
"By ignoring the November incident, I would have been sending a message of tolerance and condoning the use of illegal drugs. I could not do that," Lott said.
"How can we teach our kids... not to do drugs, then look away when it's an important person?
"Michael Phelps and I agree that something positive needs to come from this incident and that is a message of not using drugs. My perspective is that the law pertains to everyone and our drug laws are to be enforced."
© Wire reports
19 Comments
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Stonefish
I wonder if he was read his rights and questioned about it!
He might have admitted to the offense!
skipthesong
something positive needs to come from this incident": a big loss of money! I can't see anything that would make one not do something!!!
Next time Mike, do steroids - they seem to be a bit more accepted these days. Use a sports enhancement, come out and say you did and keep your millions. Smoke a tab bit of weed, and that probably knocked him over, an get destroyed. Reminds me of that Snow Boarder a few years back and the then very cool Canadian President in his French accent saying "ow, its just a little pot".
Triumvere
Good. An end to this farce.
plasticmonkey
I think kids everywhere have learned an important lesson here: the war on pot is a ridiculous circus.
Dennis Bauer
finally he can take the bong out of the closet again
SezWho2
I hope there was a good reason to do that, such as marijuana residue or some such nonsense. It's not as though you can't make your own with ordinary household materials. It doesn't take a MacGyver.
sappquest
It is very hypocritical that the IOC head can be upset at Usain Bolt for celebrating as he crossed the finish line at the Olympics but excuses Phelps' current situation as youthful exuberance... Why such a big difference in the way they are treated?
marklie
Sappquest - seriously, can you not see the difference between what is done in the event itself and what is done halfway around the world and three months later? I wish people would think just a little before stating an opinion.
sappquest
Sure, in the event there is a lot of adrenalin flowing and there is a spontaneous, youthful response. 6 months later, in a non-competitive/relaxed environment, Phelps had more time to think through his actions.
sappquest
sappquest
marklie, if there is another difference please explain. I may be missing something.
goodDonkey
sappquest
I do not smoke marijuana. I repeat, I do not smoke marijuana. I don't drink any alcohol or use any drugs.
Having said that there is a huge difference. Smoking marijuana is meaningless. It is a national disgrace for marijuana to continue to be illegal and prosecuting people for a drug that pales in comparison to alcohol is ludicrous. Marklie did well in stating that there was no correlation to Phelps' sporting event participation in the Olympics and what some idiots perceive as an indiscretion.
However I know that most people already understand the injustice of our drug laws. Any attempts I make at trying to convince 21st century Puritans of the knowledge we have achieved in the last few centuries is futile.
Phelps did nothing wrong. He should not have had to apologize. I am glad he did because he must avoid persecution by the McCarthyites/Rush Limbaughites. Shame on Kellogs. Shame on Subway.
I am very against steroid usage.
likeitis
Its over. And this trip really wasn't necessary.
Pump24
There's no way to prosecute such a case, and the local authorities only pretended to consider it out of media pressure.
At least he admitted that he inhaled...
smithinjapan
Good... the whole thing was boosted WAY out of proportion, anyway.
SuperLib
WHEW!
bebert
“We had a photo and him saying he was sorry for inappropriate behavior,” Lott said. “He never said, ‘I smoked marijuana.’ We didn’t have physical evidence.”
People questioned why Phelps didn't specifically admit to smoking pot instead of being elusive and saying he had made a mistake. This is the reason and Phelps was aware of this from day 1. Like it or not, smoking pot is a crime. Never admit to illegal activity unless questioned under oath. During which case, you must testify truthfully or evasively or face perjury charges, like Martha Stewart. Phelps was never arrested, so he was never read his rights. He played it the right way and thus has come away with the best possible outcome for himself, considering he committed a criminal offense. Good for him.
some14some
Ofcourse no charges otherwise U.S will lose eight medals, gold prices are at the peak and economy is so depressed.
Molenir
Bebert - Good post. And exactly right. Never admit to wrongdoing.