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When it comes to gift giving, they say it’s the thought that counts.

But many are wondering if Mayor Drew Dilkens was thinking at all when he gave Olympic superstar Michael Phelps — whose battles with booze are well known — a big bottle of Canadian Club whisky.

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Photo by Dax Melmer / Windsor Star

Dilkens defended the perceived faux pas Monday against a backlash on social media, pointing out Phelps has not publicly said he’s an alcoholic.

“He’s also known to gamble and we had him stay at the casino,” said Dilkens. “FINA set him up at the casino. Where do you stop? He’s not said he’s an alcoholic. In fact, the last piece we looked at on Google, he was asked if he’s an alcoholic and he said ‘I don’t know.’ He doesn’t classify himself as being an alcoholic. If he did classify himself as an alcoholic, I would have made a different choice.”

Phelps was the guest of honour at a gala Sunday at Caesars Windsor kicking off the 13th annual FINA World Short Course Swimming Championships. He received the 2016 Best Male Swimmer Award.