He lost endorsements, got suspended and had to face public scrutiny, but Michael Phelps won't be facing any charges.

The Michael Phelps bong saga is finally over.

Although the picture was taken in November at a University of South Carolina party, Phelps' picture with a marijuana pipe in his hand didn't become public until the News of the World showed the photo Feb. 1.

After that he lost a Kellogg's endorsement and was suspended for three months -- not sure how an Olympic swimmer can really be suspended during a non-Olympic year, but that's besides the point.

What this really comes down to is that the sheriff in South Carolina wasn't going to be able to win his case.

And really didn't he have something better to do, anyways?

With only a still picture, it would have probably been a circumstantial case -- well I'm basing that on my extensive experience watching lawyer shows on TV.

From the picture it's hard to tell what Phelps was doing and really if it was definitely him.

I think the sheriff did have to at least pursue the case -- he wouldn't have been doing his job if he just let it slide.

After realizing the only evidence was a picture that only made Phelps look silly, there really wasn't anything left to do.

Michael Phelps can put his head back in the water, well for at least about three and a half years until he becomes relevant again.

3 Comments

Kim said:

Michael Phelps is an outstanding athlete, who unknowingly was photographed doing something relaxing in his off time. He has lost far more than he ever shoud have, and it is finally time to put this story to bed. For good.

February 16, 2009 3:03 PM

JT said:

Michael Phelps deserves everythinbg he's gotten. He is no better than any other athlete that gets scrutinized. He has kids looking up to him as well and should be held to a higher standard. Don't go down playing this because it is Michael Phelps. If you want to swim with the big boys...guess what there are sharks in the the water like any other sport. (i.e. Baseball, Basketball, Tennis...etc). This is the price you pay to play on this level. Deal with it.

February 16, 2009 9:33 PM

JW said:

Anyone who does drugs is a loser. I thought Michael Phelps was smarter than that. Apparently he is a loser with talent.

February 17, 2009 1:48 PM

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