February 11, 2009 1:39 PM
- Text
Is Phelps Getting Off Easy?
(CBS)
So far, there hasn't been much negative reaction to the photo showing Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps smoking what appeared to be marijuana.
A few years ago, it might have ruined his career, but so far it hasn't -- perhaps a sign of changing attitudes.
CBS News correspondent Randall Pinkston took a closer look at the controversy and questioned student swimmers, a swimming coach and a parent to see where they stand on the issue.
With gleaming gold medals, Phelps' picture adorned swimming pools around the country. But a picture of Phelps smoking marijuana has fans questioning his judgment, Pinkston says.
"He has gold medals, you'd think he'd be smarter about the decisions he's making," remarked Katie Hughes, a student swimmer.
John Collins, who has coached three swimmers who later became Olympic champions, says he doesn't think that he would kick him off his team.
"I don't think so. I think Michael is someone who has a lot of qualities that are worth saving," Collins pointed out.
"Part of life is making choices. Sometimes we make the right choice. Sometimes we make the wrong choice. He's going to learn from this choice," said Josie Cole, a parent.
The seeming lack of outrage, Pinkston notes, may reflect America's changing attitudes towards marijuana - an estimated $30 billion dollar industry in the United States alone.
While a majority of Americans still oppose the legalization of marijuana use, a new CBS News poll shows a big swing in opinion in recent years.
Twenty-seven percent supported legalization in 1979; 41 percent support it today.
Even attitudes from the nation's leaders have changed. While former President Clinton famously said he tried it but never inhaled, President Obama has acknowledged he did try marijuana while in high school.
Phelps, who hopes to earn $100 million in endorsements, will soon learn whether enough has changed to enable him to retain support of his sponsors and fans.
Ross Rebagliati, a 1998 Olympic snowboarder who almost lost his gold medal after testing positive for marijuana and Joeseph Califano, chairman of the National Center for Addiction and Substance Abuse, offered some insight on the issue:
A few years ago, it might have ruined his career, but so far it hasn't -- perhaps a sign of changing attitudes.
CBS News correspondent Randall Pinkston took a closer look at the controversy and questioned student swimmers, a swimming coach and a parent to see where they stand on the issue.
With gleaming gold medals, Phelps' picture adorned swimming pools around the country. But a picture of Phelps smoking marijuana has fans questioning his judgment, Pinkston says.
"He has gold medals, you'd think he'd be smarter about the decisions he's making," remarked Katie Hughes, a student swimmer.
John Collins, who has coached three swimmers who later became Olympic champions, says he doesn't think that he would kick him off his team.
"I don't think so. I think Michael is someone who has a lot of qualities that are worth saving," Collins pointed out.
"Part of life is making choices. Sometimes we make the right choice. Sometimes we make the wrong choice. He's going to learn from this choice," said Josie Cole, a parent.
The seeming lack of outrage, Pinkston notes, may reflect America's changing attitudes towards marijuana - an estimated $30 billion dollar industry in the United States alone.
While a majority of Americans still oppose the legalization of marijuana use, a new CBS News poll shows a big swing in opinion in recent years.
Twenty-seven percent supported legalization in 1979; 41 percent support it today.
Even attitudes from the nation's leaders have changed. While former President Clinton famously said he tried it but never inhaled, President Obama has acknowledged he did try marijuana while in high school.
Phelps, who hopes to earn $100 million in endorsements, will soon learn whether enough has changed to enable him to retain support of his sponsors and fans.
Ross Rebagliati, a 1998 Olympic snowboarder who almost lost his gold medal after testing positive for marijuana and Joeseph Califano, chairman of the National Center for Addiction and Substance Abuse, offered some insight on the issue:
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