Michael Phelps

Here is the question - is it ok for a public figure to use the excuse of age as a reason for making a mistake? It was funny hearing Michael Phelp's "apology" after being photographed smoking hippy lettuce.

Yes, he is in his 20's - I know when I was in my 20s I made my fair share of errors in judgement. However, I had not been to two Olympics, won multiple gold medals, had sponsors paying me millions, and relied on my country to help train me and send me to those Olympics so I could make that kind of jack. You know this is his second error of being young - I do believe he was picked up DUI after his first Olympics.

I have said this many times and still stand by my statement - if I was a millionaire you would never catch me: Shooting myself (I would pay people to protect me), get caught drunk driving (I would pay someone to drive me), have pictures of me smoking the hippy lettuce (If I needed to do that I would do it where no one was around), or getting in a fight (I would pay people to fight for me). It is pretty simple - it is not that hard.

I know a politician that has been in office for over 15 years and they have never had a picture taken of them with an alcoholic drink in their hand - this person drinks but remains aware and responsible when in public.

I sure hope that Phelps has learned from this. Do I believe he will quit smoking - probably not. My guess would be - he trains hard and races well - when it is his off season he lets loose! Good for him - he just needs to realize who is around him and the ramifications of his actions - age has nothing to do with it.

I am volunteering to be one of his handlers from now on - you will never see another picture of the Super Swimmer that is not flattering! Call me Michael I will let you know my terms.