COLUMBIA, S.C. — His sponsors may be sticking by him, but Michael Phelps could be swimming into trouble with a sheriff known for his tough stance on drugs.
Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott says an investigation is underway after a photo of the Olympic champion allegedly smoking a marijuana pipe at a South Carolina party was published Sunday in a British newspaper.
“If someone breaks the law, we have an obligation to investigate and to bring charges,” Lott said in a statement. “The Richland County Sheriff’s Department is making an effort to determine if Mr. Phelps broke the law. If he did, he will be charged in the same manner as anyone else. The Sheriff has a responsibility to be fair, to enforce the law and to not turn a blind eye because someone is a celebrity.”
Phelps issued an apology soon after the photo in question was published in the U.K. tabloid News of the World.
“I engaged in behavior which was regrettable and demonstrated bad judgment,” Phelps said in a statement released to The Associated Press, conceding the authenticity of the photo.
The pot photo was reportedly snapped in November at a University of South Carolina house party.
Despite the fallout from the incident, Phelps, who won a record eight gold medals at last summer’s Beijing Games, has managed to keep the support of his sponsors, including Speedo.
“Speedo would like to make it clear that it does not condone such behavior and we know that Michael truly regrets his actions,” the company said in a statement to AP. “Michael Phelps is a valued member of the Speedo team and a great champion. We will do all that we can to support him and his family.”
