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No charges for US swimmer Phelps No charges for US swimmer Phelps
(20 minutes later)
US swimmer Michael Phelps will not face charges over a photograph apparently showing him smoking cannabis, a South Carolina sheriff has said.US swimmer Michael Phelps will not face charges over a photograph apparently showing him smoking cannabis, a South Carolina sheriff has said.
Phelps, 23, was suspended for three months by USA Swimming after an image of him inhaling from a glass pipe at a party in South Carolina was published.Phelps, 23, was suspended for three months by USA Swimming after an image of him inhaling from a glass pipe at a party in South Carolina was published.
He has not said whether he was using drugs but has admitted bad judgement.He has not said whether he was using drugs but has admitted bad judgement.
A British paper said the picture was taken three months after he won eight gold medals at last year's Olympics.A British paper said the picture was taken three months after he won eight gold medals at last year's Olympics.
Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott told the Associated Press that although he was not going to press charges, the authorities had had to investigate after the image was published.
"Michael Phelps is truly an American hero... but even with his star status, he is still obliged to obey the laws of our state," he said.
Phelps has said the incident was regrettable and that he would learn from it.
The swimmer has lost the backing of cereal maker Kellogg, with the firm saying it would not renew its sponsorship deal with him when it comes to an end.