Photo of Phelps smoking bong unites pot smokers David Edwards and Joe Byrne

Published: Wednesday February 4, 2009





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The photo circulating around the Internet of world-famous Olympian Michael Phelps smoking a bong seems to be getting a positive response from the outspoken internet community of marijuana users. The photo first appeared in 'News of the World,' and made its way to the celebrity magazines.



CNN's Jeanne Moos reports that the PR fiasco that has surrounded this picture has come mostly in the form of You-tube parodies and clever blog-spots. Eddie Izzard responded with a 'Stoned Olympics' routine. A Facebook group titled 'I don't care that Michael Phelps smoked a bong' sprung up and attracted hundreds of members overnight. Given that Michael Phelps was the most popular person on Facebook this summer, topping even Barack Obama, it seems natural -- even organic -- that the Internet community could forgive him for smoking pot.



The Richland County sheriff alleges that Phelps may face charges, if the date of the photo was recorded. "I just don't think...you can publicize and say I'm sorry, and we'll just forget about it. He's not above the law."



However, after Jeanne Moos' report, CNN's American Morning anchor John Roberts questioned the sheriff's assertion. "I don't think smoking it is a crime," he said.



This video is from CNN's American Morning, broadcast Feb. 4, 2009.









Download video via RawReplay.com







