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Phelps suspended over 'pot pipe' | Phelps suspended over 'pot pipe' |
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The US swimmer Michael Phelps has been suspended from competition for three months after photographs were published appearing to show him smoking cannabis. | The US swimmer Michael Phelps has been suspended from competition for three months after photographs were published appearing to show him smoking cannabis. |
USA Swimming, the sport's governing body in the US, said no "anti-doping rule" had been violated. | USA Swimming, the sport's governing body in the US, said no "anti-doping rule" had been violated. |
But the federation said it wanted to send a strong message to Phelps because he had disappointed so many people. | But the federation said it wanted to send a strong message to Phelps because he had disappointed so many people. |
Phelps won eight gold medals at the Beijing Olympics and has been feted as one of the world's greatest athletes. | Phelps won eight gold medals at the Beijing Olympics and has been feted as one of the world's greatest athletes. |
The 23-year-old was caught on camera inhaling from a type of glass pipe which can be used for smoking cannabis. | The 23-year-old was caught on camera inhaling from a type of glass pipe which can be used for smoking cannabis. |
Michael has voluntarily accepted this reprimand and has committed to earn back our trust USA Swimming | |
The photo, which appeared in Britain's News of the World newspaper, was said to have been taken at a student party last November when Phelps was on a long break from training. | The photo, which appeared in Britain's News of the World newspaper, was said to have been taken at a student party last November when Phelps was on a long break from training. |
The Olympic star has apologised for his "regrettable behaviour", but did not say whether he had taken drugs. | The Olympic star has apologised for his "regrettable behaviour", but did not say whether he had taken drugs. |
USA Swimming said in a statement: "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 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." | |
USA Swimming has also cut off its financial support to Phelps for the same three-month period. | |
Cereal and snack firm Kellogg has also reportedly said it will not renew a sponsorship contract with Phelps, on the grounds his behaviour is "not consistent with the image of Kellogg". |