Repercussions of Michael Phelps Photo Weigh In
A Major Sponsor Decides to not Continue on With the Olympic Swimmer
Feb 6, 2009
Thursday, February 5, one of Michael Phelps' major sponsors, Kellogg released a statement announcing that they would not be renewing their sponsorship with Phelps when his contract expires at the end of the month.
"We originally built the relationship with Michael, as well as the other Olympic athletes, to support our association with the U.S. Olympic team. Michael's most recent behavior is not consistent with the image of Kellogg. His contract expires at the end of February and we have made a decision not to extend his contract."
Speedo Stands by Phelps
Monday, the day after the photo of Phelps was released, Speedo released a statement about the swimmer's future with their company.
"In light of Michael Phelps' statement yesterday, Speedo would like to make it clear that it does not condone such behavior and we know that Michael truly regrets his actions. Michael Phelps is a valued member of the Speedo team and a great champion. We will do all that we can to support him and his family."
Phelps received a $1 million bonus from Speedo after the breaking Mark Spitz's record of seven gold medals in one Olympic games, and setting the new world record at eight gold medals this past August at the Beijing games.
According to Yahoo! News, Subway is supporting Phelps in light of his apology, and they decided that they will continue to endorse him.
More Repercussions for Phelps
Additionally, Thursday evening, USA Swimming also released a statement about Phelps' recent behavior.
"USA Swimming has reprimanded MIchael Phelps under its Code of Conduct by withdrawing financial support and the eligibility to compete for a period of three months effective today, Feb 5, 2009."
According to ABC News, Phelps said it was a fair decision.
"It's not my decision. It's theirs. I have nothing to say, but if that's they want to do, that's their choice. It's something that USA Swimming came up with. It's fair. Obviously, for a mistake you should get punished," Phelps said Friday, February 6.
USA Swimming said that they "decided to send a strong message to Michael, because he disappointed so many people."
Phelps, who said that he is not a regular user of marijuana talked to the press before practice Thursday February 5.
"It's obviously bad judgment and it's something I'm not proud of at all."
The three month suspension will keep Phelps from being able to swim against any rivals until May. This will give Phelps only two months to really prep for the World Championships that are going to be held in Rome.
Phelps coach, Bob Bowman said, "It takes away some options from our planning. You know, we had a plan of meets to kind of get us ready for the end of the summer and now we'll have to adjust that. That kind of comes with this territory."
