Michael Phelps gettin' superhigh

After this photograph of 14-time Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps appeared online, Phelps was quick to issue an apology for his behavior.

However, USA Swimming has dropped financial support and suspended his contract with the Colorado Springs based organization for a three month period. This article from the Denver Post gives more details of the suspension and statements made by coaches and fellow teammates. Phelps had planned to compete in early March at the Grand Prix in Austin, Texas.

USA Swimming issued a statement today regarding his suspension.

The 23-year old is considered by many to be the greatest Olympic athlete of all time after the 2008 Summer games in Bejing. He took home eight gold medals, an accomplishment the likes of which have never been seen.

Growing up with the reputation of the world’s greatest athlete in the public eye has not been easy for Phelps. In 2004, he was charged for a DUI and sentenced to 18 months probation.

Regardless of the mistakes he has made, he is a tremendous athlete and his accomplishments greatly outweigh his mistakes. I still have an incredible amount of respect for Michael Phelps! Anyone who can get an DUI, smoke weed and still win 14 gold medals is pretty incredible, I think.