Olympics swimming star Michael Phelps suspended after being pictured smoking drugs pipe as Kellogg's cancel contract

By Mail Foreign Service
Updated: 04:58 EDT, 6 February 2009

Cereal makers Kellogg's have decided not to renew Phelps' sponsorship deal in the wake of the scandal

Olympic swimming legend Michael Phelps has been suspended from competition for three months after he was pictured apparently using illegal drugs.

The 23-year-old, who won eight gold medals at the Beijing Olympics last year, issued a public apology after the News of the World published a photo of him inhaling from the type of glass pipe used to smoke cannabis.

Although he stopped short of admitting to using cannabis, Phelps earlier this week issued a statement apologising for his 'regrettable' behaviour and for having 'demonstrated bad judgment'.

The swimmer has been backed by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and FINA, the sport's world governing body.

However, his national governing body USA swimming confirmed the three-month ban and withdrawal of financial support.

It was also revealed that sponsor Kellogg would not renew their contract with the swimmer when it expires at the end of the month.

And the sheriff in the South Carolina town where Phelps was pictured with the pipe has revealed the sportsman could face criminal charges.

Leon Lott vowed to act if he determines the Olympics hero smoked marijuana in Columbia.

The USA swimming statement read: '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, February 5, 2009.

'This is not a situation where any anti-doping rule was violated, but we decided to send a strong message to Michael because he disappointed so many people, particularly the hundreds of thousands of USA Swimming member kids who look up to him as a role model and a hero.

'Michael has voluntarily accepted this reprimand and has committed to earn back our trust.'

Phelps' suspension runs out in early May meaning he will be eligible for the World Championship trials in July if he decides to defend the seven titles he won in Melbourne in 2007.

Caught on camera: Michael Phelps has admitted this picture of him smoking from a glass pipe or 'bong', commonly used for smoking marijuana, is authentic

Sponsor Kellogg also released a statement, saying: 'Michael's most recent behaviour 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.'

However, other sponsors such as Speedo, Visa and Omega watches have all stood by the swimmer.

The punishment was announced on the same day the 14-time Olympic champion made his first public comments since the publication of the photograph.

Phelps told the Baltimore Sun the intense public scrutiny has him contemplating whether to compete in London 2012.

It is the latest public embarrassment for the Olympic star, who was sentenced to probation for drink-driving in 2004.

Phelps' coach, Bob Bowman, told the Baltimore Sun: 'I think it sends a message to Michael, and we're certainly going to abide by it.

Phelps in a jovial mood as he's photographed outside the Meadowbrook Pool in Baltimore yesterday

'He's eager to be back in training, and looking to move forward.'

Marc Schubert, national team head coach and general manager, added: 'The whole situation has obviously been disappointing, but Michael is very disapointed in himself. 'It's been a real tough time for Michael.

'He's kind of thrown himself into his swimming lately, which has been a good thing because I think he has his friends on his swim team, and I think he's been introspective about the situation. He's taken a good look at himsel and realises his mistake.'

Meanwhile, Phelps' management company, Octagon, said the swimmer accepts the decisions of USA Swimming.

'Michael accepts these decisions and understands their point of view. He feels bad he let anyone down.

'He's also encouraged by the thousands of comments he's received from his fans and the support from his many sponsors. He intends to work hard to regain everyone's trust.'

America's greatest Olympic champion has been suspended from swimming for three months after he was pictured in a British newspaper smoking a drugs pipe.

Now Michael Phelps could be facing drugs charges if a South Carolina investigation proves he actually smoked cannabis.

Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott told a South Carolina paper that he would charge Phelps if he could prove he smoked marijuana in his county.

Phelps also had to tell his mother about his transgression - admitting that doing so 'definitely wasn't easy'.

Public scrutiny has been so intense that Phelps told the Baltimore Sun he is actually contemplating whether or not to compete in London 2012.

The 23-year-old, who won eight gold medals at the Beijing Olympics last year,
issued a public apology after the News of the World published a photo of him
inhaling from the type of glass pipe used to smoke cannabis.

Although he stopped short of admitting to using cannabis, Phelps earlier this
week issued a statement apologising for his 'regrettable' behaviour and for
having 'demonstrated bad judgement'.

The Baltimore swimmer has been backed by the International Olympic Committee
(IOC) and FINA, the sport's world governing body.

However, his national governing body earlier confirmed the three-month ban and
withdrawal of financial support.

This was then compounded by the announcement that sponsor Kellogg would not
renew their contract with the swimmer when it expires at the end of the month.

The USA swimming statement read: '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, February 5, 2009.

'This is not a situation where any anti-doping rule was violated, but we
decided to send a strong message to Michael because he disappointed so many
people, particularly the hundreds of thousands of USA Swimming member kids who
look up to him as a role model and a hero.

'Michael has voluntarily accepted this reprimand and has committed to earn
back our trust.'

Phelps' suspension runs out in early May, meaning he will be eligible for the
World Championship trials in July if he decides to defend the seven titles he
won in Melbourne in 2007.

The World Championships are being held in August in Rome.

Sponsor Kellogg also released a statement, saying: 'Michael's most recent behaviour 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.'

However, other sponsors such as Speedo, Visa and Omega watches have all stood by the swimmer.

The punishment was announced on the same day the 14-time Olympic champion made his first public comments since the publication of the photograph.

It is the latest public embarrassment for the Olympic star, who was sentenced
to probation for drink-driving in 2004.

Phelps' coach, Bob Bowman, told the Baltimore Sun: 'I think it sends a message
to Michael, and we're certainly going to abide by it.

He's eager to be back in training, and looking to move forward.'

Marc Schubert, national team head coach and general manager, added: 'The whole
situation has obviously been disappointing, but Michael is very disappointed in
himself.

'It's been a real tough time for Michael.

'He's kind of thrown himself into his swimming lately, which has been a good
thing because I think he has his friends on his swim team, and I think he's been
introspective about the situation. He's taken a good look at himself and realises
his mistake.'

Meanwhile, Phelps' management company, Octagon, said the swimmer accepts the
decisions of USA Swimming.

'Michael accepts these decisions and understands their point of view. He feels
bad he let anyone down.

'He's also encouraged by the thousands of comments he's received from his fans
and the support from his many sponsors. He intends to work hard to regain
everyone's trust.'