COLUMBIA, S.C. — Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott said he will charge Michael Phelps with a crime if he determines the Olympics hero smoked marijuana in Richland County.

Phelps, who set a record with eight gold medals in the 2008 Summer Olympics, was photographed smoking a marijuana pipe at a November party in Columbia.

The picture was published in the British newspaper News of the World. Phelps apologized Sunday, calling his behavior “inappropriate.”

“This case is no different than any other case,” Lott said Monday. “This one might be a lot easier since we have photographs of someone using drugs and a partial confession. It’s a relatively easy case once we can determine where the crime occurred.”

Possession of marijuana is a misdemeanor, punishable by up to 30 days in jail or a $570 fine, plus court costs. But Lott seems to be the only person talking about making a case against Phelps. The University of South Carolina and Columbia Police Departments said they would not pursue charges.

Meanwhile, Phelps’ sponsors — from apparel company Speedo to luxury Swiss watchmaker Omega — issued statements calling the incident a “nonissue.” The International Olympic Committee accepted his apology.

Lakers center Bynum out with knee injury.

Los Angeles Lakers center Andrew Bynum will miss eight to 12 weeks after tearing the medial collateral ligament in his right knee. Bynum was hurt in the first quarter of Saturday night’s win at Memphis when Kobe Bryant drove to the basket, missed the shot and crashed into Bynum’s leg.

• Utah Jazz point guard Deron Williams was out against the Charlotte Bobcats with a thigh injury.

• Magic guard Jameer Nelson left Orlando’s game against the Dallas Mavericks in the third quarter after dislocating his right shoulder. He was scheduled to have an MRI today.

Seminoles dismiss Parker

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Preston Parker was dismissed from the Florida State football team following his third arrest since 2006.

The 21-year-old junior receiver was arrested and charged with driving under the influence after Tallahassee police found him asleep in his running car early Saturday. The police report said Parker admitted he had been drinking and smoking marijuana. Parker caught 104 passes for 1,189 yards and five touchdowns in three seasons.

• Ohio State offensive lineman Alex Boone, an all-Big Ten selection in 2008, was arrested after being subdued with a Taser during an alleged drunken tirade that included jumping on car hoods and yanking on a tow truck cable, Orange County (Calif.) authorities said.

Footnotes.

Jason Lawrence scored a power-play goal with 1:46 left, lifting Boston University to a 4-3 victory over Harvard in the 57th annual Beanpot hockey tournament in Boston. The Terriers will face Northeastern, which beat Boston College 6-1, in Monday’s final.

• Rocco Mediate, citing personal reasons, withdrew from the Buick Invitational that begins Thursday.

Denver Post wire services