REPORT: Mazda has Michael Phelps apologize to China's children on video
Michael Phelps is a 12-gold-metal-winning superstar who has struck gold by inserting himself in all manners of advertising. Phelps is also a big deal in China, where he won eight gold medals at the 2008 Olympics. The swimming superstar even has a $1 million deal with Mazda for the China market, an arrangement that hit a rough spot recently when Phelps was caught on camera smoking marijuana from a bong. The Phelps advertising machine is now in damage-control mode, with the Chinese culture less tolerant for such law breaking than we are in the U.S. Phelps knows this, and has put together a video apology at the behest of Mazda to show his humility in front of the Chinese people. Hit the jump to view the embedded video. Is it just us, or does Phelps look like he's having trouble keeping his eyes open? He must be saving his energy for his next victory in the pool.
[Source: NY Times]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)
matt 9:15AM (5/25/2009)
he's so baked
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Rob 5:42PM (2/16/2009)
He looks like a SELL OUT. Dude, stand up for what you believe in and tell this nation that it's laws against marijuana are freakin' stupid and a gigantic waste of time, money, and resources. LEGALIZE IT.
Max 5:52PM (2/16/2009)
Another tight-ass report from America's most tight-assed fanatic media outlet: FoxNews.
dewuser 6:02PM (2/16/2009)
It's great that he acknowledges the number of individuals that look up to him and the Impact of how his actions influence the young.
BUT SMOKING ANYTHING IS HARMING AND TO BE AVOIDED.
CALIFORNIA SHOULD BAN ALL FORMS OF TOBACCO & MARIJUANA.
Polly Prissy Pants 6:13PM (2/16/2009)
Troll...
Jake B 6:13PM (2/16/2009)
LEGALIZE IT!
James 6:20PM (2/16/2009)
Marijuana = legalize and tax it!
larry a 2:26AM (2/17/2009)
Considering how harmless it is, its RIDICULOUS how its still illegal. It sounds crazy and I'm not for big governement at all but I really think the government should grow it so they can regulate it and all the money profited goes back to taxpayers and stimulate the economy. Shoot, the other half could go to Africa feeding the poor. Its worth trying...
G-Meister 9:19AM (2/17/2009)
The trouble with legalizing it comes from how difficult it is to prove you were high, when you were pulled over driving under the influence/ got into a wreck. The former hurts an entire industry built around "reforming" sinners and offenders, while the latter could cost the insurance companies Billions. They won't let that happen.
ray 5:04PM (2/16/2009)
Maybe it's me, but he looks kinda stoned.
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efw 5:07PM (2/16/2009)
yep, thats what i thought too
Torrent 5:19PM (2/16/2009)
After beating like 7 million records, he should be entitled to hit the bong a few times.
Kiiks 3:19AM (2/17/2009)
Can you imagine smoking with Phelps? It would be like a ten-minute hit!
"Are you done yet, Mike?"
"blublublublublublub..."
You'd have to re-load the bowl like 3 times before he reached max lung capacity! ;)
ALEXDB9 5:12PM (2/16/2009)
Wow, I thought the American press was tight assed. How is this such a big deal?? The guy got a little high, lets crucify him! No I have never smoked, but I find it ridiculous that he has to go to these extremes. I think these people need to get off their pedestals and do something else.
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j 1:00PM (2/17/2009)
cause he's one of the most famous people that millions of young children look up to and not every parent is okay with their kids smokin weed b/c they saw this guy do it.
phelps can smoke all the weed he wants, but seriously how stupid is he to do it in front of so many people in a house party and think that it wouldn't get out and be a problem? as long as its illegal he's got to smoke it in private, or at least don't get caught on freakin camera.
the fame and fortune comes with a price, more so when you are a role model to millions of young people all over the world, that's what all you guy's talking about how it's not a big deal need to understand b/c normally yeah it's really not a big deal at all, unless your a record breaking gold medalist olympic athlete.
Erik 5:11PM (2/16/2009)
Man, this bong picture is getting blown WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY out of proportion. Give me a break!
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Polly Prissy Pants 6:24PM (2/16/2009)
Right on. Mom and Dad pop Ambien, Vicodin and Ritalin, drink vodka and smoke cigarettes, yet some guy smokes a little marijuana and insincere apologies and hypocritical outrage ensues. Actually makes me a little sick to my stomach. If it didn't make me want to boycott his sponsors before it sure does now.
Michael 5:15PM (2/16/2009)
It's really not that big of a deal. In fact, I don't think ANY less of him. This whole thing is being blown /waaaaaay/ out of proportion, like Erik said, above.
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the vegas style guy 9:58PM (2/16/2009)
I could care less about sports. Everytime this guy swam I was glued to the TV. He can do anything he wants to his body and I'm hella cool with it.
Damn, when I rip a bong all I do is get hungry and fall asleep. This guy brings home the gold!
By the way: Best Stoner movies
FRIDAY AFTER NEXT
BETTER OFF DEAD
16 CANDLES
A NIGHT AT THE OPERA
LACE (MINI SERIES, "WHICH ONE OF YOU BITCHES IS MY MOTHER?)
RLQ 7:37PM (2/16/2009)
He should try a cross joint of pineapple express.
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