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November 15, 2004 Michael Phelps is Sorry Too
We all remember Olympic figure skater Oksana Baiul's lovely mug shots when she crashed her Mercedes after guzzling five too many Long Island Ice Teas. Now it seems that 19-year-old Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps has come forth to say that along with 49% of America, he too is very sorry. But Phelps's condolences are for an entirely different matter. This Monday, Phelps appeared on the "Today Show" to clean up his recently tarnished image and preached the revelatory message that it's not good to drink and drive. And of course we all know that we can never get enough of the "drinking and driving is bad" curriculum. Late last week, Phelps was stopped by state police for running a stop sign--a subsequent event of him driving while under the influence of alcohol. Remember parents, this person is a role model of the "wholesome-hero". And it's not like Phelps's behavior is entirely uncommon to the American experience. He was no different than 75% of the guys I went high school and college with. The only distinction made is 1) Phelps has public influence, and 2) Phelps got caught. Hence, the public apology: "Last week, I made a mistake. Getting into a car after anything to drink is wrong. It's dangerous and unacceptable. I'm 19 and was taught that no matter how old you are, you should take responsibility for your actions, which I will do. I'm sorry."It is highly likely that these publicity measures are being done to salvage the 7+ mega endorsements waiting in the wings for this young gentleman. Everyone is deserving of redemption, but it still amazes me how easily we forgive and forget. The standard of behavior in our society is getting lower and lower. We're sorry too Michael. Everybody's sorry. I hereby commemorate this month as the month of sorrow. Comments Posted by: Glen at November 16, 2004 10:47 AM Ease up Glen, he's only 19 (famous or not). Easy to peep the mote in other folks' eyes. Not advocating driving under the I, but I advocate forgiveness of teens. Posted by: Bijan at November 16, 2004 12:51 PM The thing is Bijan, we have gotten really good at the forgiveness game. We very much live in a world without perceived consequences for our actions. Yes, Phelps is 19, but he is also a public figure and accountable to his measure of influence. I think all people should be forgiven, but I find it very interesting how we selectviely rake people across the coals (or don't). He's been touted as a role model for young kids and as far as I've seen, he's held onto every last one of his endorsements. I guess the bigger picture here is what is the image of young people today? We kind of act blase like a DUI at age 19 is perfectly the norm. I take issue with that. Posted by: Ambra Nykol at November 16, 2004 1:09 PM Sorry Bijan, but I'm just about to lose a friend who was in an auto accident on Sept. 10. The other driver who smashed into him was an 18-year-old who was trying to beat a yellow/red light. I have zero sympathy for Phelps, who should CERTAINLY know better, especially as a celebrated Olympic athlete who expects to make millions in endorsements. If that had been me who was arrested, I would still be in jail. Posted by: Glen at November 16, 2004 7:18 PM Not necessarily on DUI, but in general, i'm with Bij. Since when does being in the public eye mean anything re: a person's behavior? If I was a knucklehead before I got famous, I'ma be a knucklehead afterwards. My question is, why does fame necessarily make a person a role model? He's a "role model" because he can swim fast? Or is he a "role model" because he's marketable? Posted by: avery at November 16, 2004 7:29 PM Riiiiiight Avery. Please tell me you don't wanna turn this discussion down the path of responsibility as it relates to being a public figure. I got Bible on that one....so we can go there if you want, but I think you know the answer toy our own question. Posted by: Ambra at November 16, 2004 8:17 PM The month of sorrow! Very funny! Posted by: Donna Boucher at November 16, 2004 8:22 PM I accept his apology. It was wrong, and I'm not much of a relativist when it come to laws, but fine him, chalk it up to youth, and go on to the next subject. If he does it again. then it's trouble Posted by: Byron R at November 17, 2004 9:14 AM Let's see... Offense #1 - He was an underage drinker (whether you agree with the current drinking age is irrelevant to this legal point) Offense #2 - He ran a stop sign Offense #3 (aka The Biggie) - He was under the influence I'm still baffled by this country's inability to properly punish people for this dangerous crime. All the "MADD" in the world doesn't seem to have much impact when people know they can get away with an apology and maybe a fine. Posted by: Glen at November 17, 2004 9:52 AM I agree that what phelp's did was wrong, but seriously, half the people at my school have dui's and they didn't go to jail. it's not right that just because he's famous, it should be blown way out of proportion. He is thankful that no one got hurt, he should be fined and then we can all let it drop. One mistake doesn't make you a bad person. Yes, i know that drinking and driving is bad, but everyone deserves a second chjance, and i'm sure phelps won't let this happen again, for he truly is sorry. Posted by: Alex at November 29, 2004 12:56 PM |
 "...playful philosophizing" Dan Leroy, National Review Online
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I'll take underage Olympic Gold Medalists with DUI's for $400 please, Alex.
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I am only sorrow that young Master Phelps isn't sitting in a jail cell with a huge fine over his head. That, or down at the morgue every day to see what happens to the victims of DUI.