By Alex

I didn’t want to talk about Michael Phelps but since “everyone is doing it” I may as well jump in.

Wait a second? Do I have to follow the crowd? Did God not equip me with free will?

The angel and devil sitting on Phelps’ shoulders duked it out. But Phelps had the final decision.

It’s been an odd thing to read some journalists rationalize (if not justify) Phelps’ actions. Some have said it’s “no big deal.” As if this is some form of progressiveness and tolerance. However, people who went this route are only considering one side of the equation - namely, that Phelps needs to relax and be human. It also opened the door for promoters of making marijuana legal to take their requisite five-minute spotlight. Hey, every chance they get they need. Good for them.

Fair points.

But here’s the rub: Indeed, the act itself is not a serious offense. This is what people do. It’s a reality. However, in the case of Michael Phelps, he’s not “everyday” people. There’s a difference between someone smoking a “doob” in the privacy of their home and a famous, world-class athlete who embraced being a role model doing it in public at a party in the internet age.

That journalists would be so presumptuous to the point of claiming “everyone does it” is irresponsible. Believe it or not, many kids and adults with far less at stake than Phelps don’t smoke pot. I know a few myself. I don’t think they’d appreciate being suddenly thrown into one big generalization pot - excuse the pun - for a writer to make a point.

This particular line of debate should be scoffed and lamented at the same time. It’s not a defense; it’s a lame cop-out.

Phelps is 23 years old. He’s an adult, not a teenager. He has different responsibilities from the average citizen. He has millions in endorsements on the table - among other things. Kellogg’s already bailed on him. Although, if I were them I would’ve chilled a little. Then again, it’s important to protect a corporate image. So I get their concerns.

On one side, yes on its own the story is overblown. Leave the kid alone. On the other, this is a complex story involving more than just the person committing the act.

Next time, Phelps just has to thing a little harder before he delves into an activity that will leave him with the munchies like Shaggy on a bad trip day.

It’s just not worth it.

Here’s hoping he doesn’t retire.