Michael Phelps: Sink or Swim?

After Phelps' photo appeared, the question started swirling: has his legacy been tarnished? While most people seem to be taking one side or the other, particularly the yes camp, I take both sides. On one hand, Michael Phelps, as immortal as he may seem to all of us, including myself, is no different than any of us. He's liable to go out and party and try to live as normal a life as possible considering his worldwide status. I have absolutely no problem with him partying, and having a few drinks or even trying some weed. Just because you're famous doesn't mean you shouldnt be allowed to have a good time. BUT, I also take the other side in this as well. When you have gained so much fame and acclaimed fortune(over 200 million in endorsements alone!), no matter how much you fuel the need or may want to go out and party and hangout, you just can't. I'm sorry, but this is the price you must pay for your fame and money you have accrued. You have put yourself up on a worldwide pedestal of achievement and class and integrity. You are not allowed to breach that unspoken contract, or you WILL suffer the consequences of your actions. This entire act is almost forgiveable except for the fact that it has happened before with his DUI over 5 years ago as a minor. He said then that he would never fall into this trap again, yet here we are. If the weed photo was a first-time deal, one could almost brush it off as Phelps just letting loose one time. So while I have no problem with Phelps trying to live a normal life and do what he wants, he has to remember who he is. You cannot go to a party where most of the people there you don't know and expect nothing to happen when you start smoking. Something will happen, and it did. So, Michael Phelps, live your life with a balance. You can have fun, but be responsible. Remember everything you stand for and realize that as much as you deserve your freedom from the press, you will never get it. While the great Charles Barkley told us that athletes don't have to be role models, I believe that you do because of what you've done, and I think you want to be one as well. You have disappointed yourself, your fans, and USA Swimming as they've handed you a 3 month suspension. You just can't publicize yourself when you are as famous as he his, you just can't. So have fun, but responsibly. While I believe you are truly sorry for what you've done, I'm not sure I accept that apology. After the DUI, he said it would never be repeated, his reckless actions. This is why people are having trouble forgiving him. So, is his legacy tarnished? I don't think it should be, but it ultimately will be to some degree because he stood for everything that was great about atheltic achievement, and now he has disappointed. So, he apologizes again for a stupid act, AGAIN. Fool us once Phelps, shame on you. Fool us twice, shame on us.