Charges Possible Over Phelps' Pot Photo

(AP)  Olympic superstar Michael Phelps could face criminal charges as part of the fallout from a photo that surfaced showing the swimmer smoking from a marijuana pipe at a University of South Carolina house party.

A spokesman for a sheriff known for his tough stance on drugs said Tuesday the Richland County sheriff's department was investigating.

"Our narcotics division is reviewing the information that we have, and they're investigating what charges, if any, will be filed," said Lt. Chris Cowan, a spokesman for agency.

The photo, first shown in British tabloid News of the World on Sunday, was snapped during a November party while Phelps was visiting the university, according to the paper.

Phelps, 23, and his team have not disputed the photo's accuracy. Phelps has issued a public apology, acknowledging "regrettable" behavior and "bad judgment" after the photo appeared.

One of Phelps' agents, Drew Johnson, said Tuesday authorities had not contacted the swimmer. "So we really can't speculate," he said.

Last fall, Phelps was introduced to large applause at South Carolina's football game with Arkansas. He met with players and visited with Gamecocks coach Steve Spurrier, who gave Phelps one of the ball coach's trademark visors.

Phelps also spoke at a university class on sports' role in society.

Where exactly the party occurred isn't clear. The university said its police have no evidence it was on campus, and city police said they won't pursue criminal charges unless more information comes forward.

The Richland County sheriff can pursue charges as long as the party was in the county, the spokesman said.

"The bottom line is, if he broke the law, and he did it in Richland County, he's going to be charged," Cowan said. "And there's no difference between Michael Phelps and several other people that we arrest for the same type of a charge everyday."

Under South Carolina law, possession of one ounce or less of marijuana is a misdemeanor that carries a fine up to $200 and 30 days in jail for the first offense. Possession of paraphernalia is a $500 fine.
By Associated Press Writer Meg Kinnard; AP writers Jeffrey Collins and Pete Iacobelli in Columbia, and Paul Newberry in Atlanta contributed to this report

[aztecdakota]

KELLOGS? Isn''t KELLOGS the ones who made and distributed all tha POISONOUS Peanut Butter? Is KELLOGS just trying to change the subject, that they are getting the entire nation sick on their products?

[notime4you]

F* You kellogs! Corn Flakes SUCK!

[mahdeealoo]

From what I gather, there is a very small percentage of teens that haven''t either been offered or smoked pot at least once before high school''s end. I may not be a proponent of legalizing it, but give this guy a break. His performance in the sports arena is commendable. Kelloggs should be boycotted for their behavior in this matter. Forgive and forget and learn a little in the process.

[evian_ycnan]

"Possession of paraphernalia is a $500 fine."

All that photo shows is a bong. Max Charge.

Andy of Mayberry come to South Carolina and curb ol` Barney Phife

[matrixrx2003]

gwweloveyou

I see we think the same way on this topic.

Pot is only Illegal because the OLD Crusty Law Makers are still alive and keep it illegal & that will change in 10 years.

[matrixrx2003]

Remember the REAL GATE Way Drug is Alcohol and the Govt TAXES the KRAP out of that and makes lots of money on Tax Revenue.

Over 90% of People get Drunk FIRST and then try another drug. Alcohol is the REAL GATE WAY DRUG so have a Bud or a Miller and blame it on the Alcohol and say "I was Drunk thats why I did it"

The Police need to find something more Productive to do with their time then waste it on POT. Busting people with pot is EASY and pretty LAME do some work and find my stole car in Kansas City.

[matrixrx2003]

How do we know it was pot.

I have seen people smoke Cloves out of a Bong.

[matrixrx2003]

If the Govt wanted to make some REAL money they would legalize POT and sell the growing rights and TAX the Krap out of it. Make it legal so its on a Black Market Drug any more.

How much TAX revenue could the Govt make in a year if it was Legal, I would guess more $$$$ then Cigs.


OH and ALSO All you Religous Freaks remember GOD made Pot and he made it on the 7th day so he could relax and chill out because he was pretty busy the first 6 days of creation.

[matrixrx2003]

If the Govt wanted to make some REAL money they would legalize POT and sell the growing rights and TAX the Krap out of it. Make it legal so its on a Black Market Drug any more.

How much TAX revenue could the Govt make in a year if it was Legal, I would guess more $$$$ then Cigs.

[matrixrx2003]

OH that Right the Police dont look for stolen cars for more then 2 weeks in Kansas City and then it falls off the Hot List and they dont look for it any more. Its easier to bust somebody for something as LAME AS POT or a Joint or a Blunt or give somebody a speeding ticket then to solve real crimes like Auto Theft.