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May 14, 2009

Michael Phelps' Apology

Posted: 10:17 PM ET

In the wake of a three-month suspension from competitive, organized swimming, Olympic champion Michael Phelps is back in the pool.  A photo that appeared to show Phelps smoking from a marijuana pipe was what got him in trouble, and he said he's already learned from "bad judgment and a very stupid mistake."

So what's your take:  Do you accept Phelps' apology?  Do you think he had anything to apologize for?

Carl Azuz, Anchor

Filed under: Feedback • News Coverage


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Nick   May 14th, 2009 10:52 pm ET

I would accept his apology because he is the best swimmer in the world and really fun to watch. So many people look up to him and if he is willing to admit that he did smoke and take the blame for it then we should accept him.

Blake   May 14th, 2009 11:17 pm ET

carl i think we should forgive him because they really don't have proof of him doing. if it was me i forgive Phelps and i bet chuck norris does too!

Stephanie   May 14th, 2009 11:55 pm ET

Well, I forgive him. Phelps made a mistake, and he said sorry. At least he stopped. There are lots of people who do drugs and don't stop.

beth   May 14th, 2009 11:56 pm ET

I"m not sure i mean if he was so sorry then why did he do it in the first place???? Sorry Phelps but you are not my idol anymore!

Beth   May 14th, 2009 11:58 pm ET

Yes I think we should forgive him and not hold a grudge against him. I just hope he learned from his mistake..... young and dumb as they say!

daisha   May 15th, 2009 12:11 am ET

we shouldent take his aplogy.he said he knows what bad and so and so.but the real question is why did he do it?

Dakota   May 15th, 2009 12:12 am ET

I believe that Phelps does not deserve to swim. The only reason he is being able to is because he swam fir the U.S.A. in the Olympics. He is getting special treatment and that is unfair. If it were anybody else they would still be in trouble. They would have to go to jail and pay the fine. It is unfair that because he can swim he can do illegal actions and get away with just a smack on the wrist.

Mr. Moore's 5th period   May 15th, 2009 12:15 am ET

Hi Carl!
We believe that Michael should be forgiven because we all make mistakes and those are what we learn from. We also believe in second chances. But what most people forget is "Curiosity killed the Cat" and thats a valuable lesson that we can not afford to forget.

Dakota   May 15th, 2009 12:19 am ET

I don't think that we should forgive michael for what he did. He is getting off so easy because of the Olympics and even he knows it. Do you think that you would get away so easy if you were caught Carl? (No offence) I know I wouldn't. He should take the punishment like a man and move on. Sure he can apologize but does he mean it? I can't prove that and neither can he.

Jungeun   May 15th, 2009 1:02 am ET

It was a pretty bad mistakek to make, and he should have to apologize for it. But I guess i can forgive him. He's a great swimmer and all...
Everyone can make mistakes and there's no saying that a selebrity can't make one.

Samantha   May 15th, 2009 1:06 am ET

Carl-
I dont accept Phelp's apologie because he is supposed to be a role modle for younger kids... I think they should kick him out of olymics. After that photo of him smoking was released I lost all respect that I once had for him.

Juniper   May 15th, 2009 1:08 am ET

Anyone can make mistakes and make a bad judgement once in a while. Although he haven't done a very good thing...
Of course i can forgive him.
It should be unfair if i don't- seeing as i forgive all the other people if they make mistakes.

Jen   May 15th, 2009 1:12 am ET

I don't think that I can ever forgive him.
I know that many peoples would forgive him, but personally- I can't!!!
IF i just think about what his done–He has disgraced our contry by doing it! (if you think about in that way.) :(

Kaylyn   May 15th, 2009 1:31 am ET

I think he's apology should be excepted because the fact is everyone makes mistakes, and everyone should get a second chance.

Amy   May 15th, 2009 1:40 am ET

No need to say a word.=> YES!

Jade   May 15th, 2009 3:05 am ET

Dear Carl, I think we don't have to forgive him because he has to care about him. Because he is Swimmer of the Lord. I think he have to know what did do.

Jesse & Colin   May 15th, 2009 7:59 am ET

"Ya sure" We would except because he had announce that he regretted what he had done.

Sydney   May 15th, 2009 8:10 am ET

It takes time to heal a wound. Only time will tell if his apology is real. If it's real I will accept it. How do we know he won't just be come more secretive?

Lola   May 15th, 2009 8:20 am ET

After smoking a pipe, after drunk driving...should we really forgive him? After breaking many hearts of children and adults, should we really forgive him? In this case, i do not believe in forgive and forget. How about do not forgive,and remember.

Juny   May 15th, 2009 8:43 am ET

I think we can accept his apology because he certainly looks remorseful. It might be a good chance to re-evaluate himself and work harder to become the number one swimmer in the world. I hope good luck to Phelps! ^.^

Daniel   May 15th, 2009 8:58 am ET

He is a celebrity swimmer and everyone knows celebrities do drugs...

Brain   May 15th, 2009 9:00 am ET

I wouldn`t accept his apology, because when we apology him, then I think he will smoke out of marijuana pipe again.

Br1an   May 15th, 2009 9:06 am ET

Accept? Yes.
Forget? I don't think anyone will. He's another hero with a flaw, like these heroic MLB players on steriods.

Adam   May 15th, 2009 9:10 am ET

I'm not quite sure if I accept Michael's apology quite yet. He might just be saying this to get people to forgive him, then when he's sure he's in private... BOOM! He'll do it again. I guess I'm just being paranoid, but unless we have solid, concrete proof, there's no way we can tell if Phelps is going to smoke marijuana again.

frannie   May 15th, 2009 9:24 am ET

i think we should accept his apology because he seemed to regret his decision and he should be given a second chance.

John   May 15th, 2009 9:24 am ET

I don't care how much he apoligizes, he is a bad influence and a stupid person for doing things; this being already his second offense. His first offense being drinking and driving.

Kate   May 15th, 2009 9:24 am ET

I think that we all make mistakes and just because he is famous does not make it worse of better.

HANNAH!!!!!   May 15th, 2009 9:24 am ET

I accept his apology! Because, I do think that people can learn from it, and hopefully he did too.

caroline!!!!   May 15th, 2009 9:24 am ET

Even though what he did was really bad, i think we should except his apology because he knew that it was bad too.

parker   May 15th, 2009 9:25 am ET

I would accept his apology. He seems to know what he did wrong and everybody makes mistakes. I'm glad that he's back.

hunter   May 15th, 2009 9:25 am ET

I think that he blew it. He was smoking pot and now he has to pay for it.

Marshall   May 15th, 2009 9:25 am ET

I accept his apology but I still think that it was dumb for a the best swimmer in the world to smoke marijuana. It could ruin his whole career and then he would really be bummin'.

Abby   May 15th, 2009 9:25 am ET

I forgive him because he aplolgiesed and he served his time in probation so I guess we should all just put it in the past.

Anabel   May 15th, 2009 9:25 am ET

I accept Phelps' apology. He said that he wouldn't do it again. So many people look up to him, and if he helps them so they don't do drugs or smoke that would be really good.

Crystal   May 15th, 2009 9:25 am ET

don't forgive him he should know how bad it is to smoke marijuana but to put pictures of him doing that. Does he want to get caught?

Karen   May 15th, 2009 9:25 am ET

Although I think Phelp's apology is really sincere, if he truly cared about his career he wouldn't have smoked marijuana in the first place. He also says he wants to discourage others from making the same mistake; I think that he could better teach that lesson if he hadn't smoked marijuana. I mean, if you're trying to teach kids that they shouldn't do something, then why would you do it yourself?!

J   May 15th, 2009 9:26 am ET

How many college students smoke marijuana at parties. If Michael phelps did it once I'm not going to hold it against him just so long as he doesn't do it again

Homie   May 15th, 2009 9:26 am ET

I don't know if i can except his apology. i use to look up to him but then the whole smoking thing, it really got me mad i guess he is a person who can make mistakes, but not mistakes like that when the whole world is watching your every move.

Ben   May 15th, 2009 9:26 am ET

I think that he did the right thing. He apologized for a mistake. Everyone makes mistakes. And he did it in front of television and radio and stuff. I think that it is also good that he did apologized because he is probably a role model to some little kids and it would be a bad idea to get it into their heads that it is cool to smoke marajana.

Christina   May 15th, 2009 9:53 am ET

Saying your sorry means nothing actions speak louder then words.

jalen   May 15th, 2009 9:56 am ET

he is just a guy not anything else there are thousands of people that do that he isn't the only one. i cant believe you people in this nation.

Samantha   May 15th, 2009 9:57 am ET

I would accept his apology because he is not the only one that smokes.

Darcee=)   May 15th, 2009 10:01 am ET

forgive and forget. thats what I say at least he didn't lie on top of everything and just admitted it!!!

josh   May 15th, 2009 10:07 am ET

phelps is a kid people he is bound to make mistakes

trent   May 15th, 2009 10:09 am ET

He just a apologized to get back in the pool.

Erika   May 15th, 2009 10:14 am ET

I think we should forgive him because everyone makes mistakes. Yes I don't agree with what he did but he seems alright and he just got caught up in everything

Mitch   May 15th, 2009 10:14 am ET

I think that we should forgive him, because he has appologized and he still is a great swimmer. So many people look up to him and so do I!

Cameron   May 15th, 2009 10:15 am ET

PHELPS IS THE STUPIDEST PERSON I HAVE EVER SEEN

Shawn   May 15th, 2009 10:19 am ET

i think that what he did was stupid i used to do that but i put my foot down and said NO!!!

michael   May 15th, 2009 10:21 am ET

it doesn't really matter he still smoked marijuana and he's still an olympic champion.

Anonymous   May 15th, 2009 10:47 am ET

I would accept his apology because I think that many athletes do things they are not supposed to do, like taking steroids. I think that him admitting it and apologizing was really brave of him. I feel that steroids are worse because they make someone be better then their apponent in a not so fair way. Michael Phelps is still the best swimmer in the world whether he smoked or not.

blake   May 15th, 2009 10:51 am ET

I think we should accept his apology i dont think he had anything to apologize for cause tons and tons of people smoke pot and the news dosent make a big deal when some kid is caught

Barthelmy   May 15th, 2009 10:55 am ET

why wouldn't you forgive the guy. everyone makes mistakes and he owned up to it so of course we should accept his apology. I agree with Nick ( comment below ) so many people look up to him and he is the best swimmer in the world.

Alec   May 15th, 2009 11:15 am ET

I think as long as he learned not to do it he should be welcomed back so he can work hard to be a better swimmer from one swimmer to another.

Lyssa   May 15th, 2009 11:23 am ET

i do not think that we should accept his apology becose he may do it again. so yah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

kathleen   May 15th, 2009 11:24 am ET

I don't care about the smoking he shouldn't have stated in the first place.

Colin   May 15th, 2009 11:25 am ET

I will accept his apoligie if he never does anything like it again and i mean anything

alex   May 15th, 2009 11:25 am ET

He did a bad thing and I didn't like his decisions but I accept his apology.

Anna   May 15th, 2009 11:25 am ET

Why can't we just forgive and forget? If he says he's sorry, then he's probably sorry.

morgan   May 15th, 2009 11:25 am ET

I think that it was necessary to apologize and that it why I think he did it; not because he was sincere. I don't think he really means it though. He just wants to get out of trouble.

Beau   May 15th, 2009 11:26 am ET

I would accept his apology because we don't even have proof that he actually did marijuana he just had a pipe even if he did it was celebratory...I accept.

Zack   May 15th, 2009 11:26 am ET

I believe that Michel Phelps is a sincere guy, because he stepped foreword and said that he was sorry. Good job!

Matt   May 15th, 2009 11:26 am ET

i accept his apology because i think he is learning from his mistakes and apologizing was the right thing to do

Nathan   May 15th, 2009 11:26 am ET

I think Phelps has a point. Smoking is an enourmous mistake,plus, it is bad for you.

Lindsay   May 15th, 2009 11:26 am ET

Yes, I accept it but it was still wrong to do and I hope Phelps doesn't do it again.

Sean   May 15th, 2009 11:27 am ET

I wouldn't accept his apology. He's done stupid things as a teen before and he sounded hyped up or "high" or jittery during his apology. Maybe give him a warning and detention.

Jake   May 15th, 2009 11:27 am ET

Michael Phelps seemed sorry enough, but I don't think he is a very good speaker. Just ask all of his Ums.....

Bryquan   May 15th, 2009 11:27 am ET

I "m just glad he back to swiming.

forest   May 15th, 2009 11:27 am ET

I forgive him cause anyone could have just photoshopped that picture.

mary   May 15th, 2009 11:28 am ET

carl i think that he should be forgiven because its natural to make mistakes. we all make stupid choices we have to be careful.

Evan   May 15th, 2009 11:30 am ET

I accept Michael's appoloy and i hope others wont make his mistake.

anownoumus   May 15th, 2009 11:33 am ET

ms.whal is the best teach in the world

Tasha   May 15th, 2009 12:03 pm ET

Phelps is a babe!

Ashley   May 15th, 2009 12:03 pm ET

I would accept his apology because I understand that even though it was wrong he realized that irt wasn't right at the beginning and immediately apologized. He has taken his punishment with gratitude and will never do it again. he should be forgiven.

Rachel   May 15th, 2009 12:05 pm ET

Sure, i accept his apology but what he did is a really bad influence for kids that look up to him.

Brittany   May 15th, 2009 12:06 pm ET

I accept his apology because it sounded like he meant it. And come on, we all make mistakes.

Natalie   May 15th, 2009 12:06 pm ET

What's Chuck Norris have to do with Michael Phelps..? Anyways, I honestly think we should forgive him. Atleast he's willing to say, that he did, and it was a mistake he made. He's a good swimmier. And it was a mistake. But he learned from it. And telling others to learn from his mistake that he had made.

Chelsie   May 15th, 2009 12:08 pm ET

Well I think we should forgive him for his mistake because I know so many people how have made the same mistake and I still forgave them, Plus he is a great swimmer and alot of people love him and wouldn't want him to suffer.

Shelby   May 15th, 2009 12:08 pm ET

For some one like him to say he is sorry for what he did is a reason to accept his apology. He said that it was a big mistake and he wants to stop anyone from trying that stuff. That takes a big person

taylor   May 15th, 2009 12:09 pm ET

i accept his apology. it sounds very... i dunno, very...umm, sincere! ya, that's the word! :P but ya, we should all except his apology because he admits that he did it, and it was extreamly stupid. but oh well, everyone makes mistakes and deserves a second chance right? but i think the only reson why everyone is going to forgive him, is beacause he is famous. if any other person was caught doing that stuff, we would get in big trouble. so then again i think its ridiculous. so acctually, no we shouldn't forgive him. cuz if it happend to a normal person, they probably wouldn't be forgiven!

Denise   May 15th, 2009 12:35 pm ET

I would accept his apology, Maybe if he did it twice then maybe we would have an issue. But like Nick said kids look up to him. And at least he admitted to what he did and said his peace.

Julianne   May 15th, 2009 12:37 pm ET

If I can find it in my heart to give him a second chance anyone can. he is an AMAZING swimmer. If he wasn't famous no one would even care about this. Give him a break.

Kayla   May 15th, 2009 1:03 pm ET

It is great that he apologized for what he had done, but, it still does not take back what he has done.

buddy   May 15th, 2009 1:04 pm ET

I think that people learn from their mistakes and i think that he wont do it aging so i would except his apology.

Erica and Hadlie   May 15th, 2009 1:04 pm ET

Yes, we should accept his apology. He is only human, people make mistakes at least he has and is continuing to learn his lesson.

p.s. Carl, please continue to wear more of the color red. You look spiffy!

Noah   May 15th, 2009 1:27 pm ET

I think that we should forgive him because he realizes that he was using bad judgement and made a very stupid mistake. He has already been punished what he has done and he already has lost many endorsement deals for his actions. It was a good thing that he realized what he did wrong and we should appreciate that he w=actually apologized for what he did rather than do nothing for his inappropriate actions.

Joey   May 15th, 2009 1:34 pm ET

I think he should just get in the pool and swim

Lauren   May 15th, 2009 1:35 pm ET

I dont think that they should let Mike Phelps back into the olympics.

Hannah   May 15th, 2009 1:35 pm ET

I accept his apology. He did something illegal and he got a consequence for it like everyone else does, but he was famous so he was recognized for it more. He made a stupid move.

David   May 15th, 2009 1:35 pm ET

It just herbs dude.

JUSTIN   May 15th, 2009 1:36 pm ET

I think that Michael Phelps just made a stupid mistake

Ellie   May 15th, 2009 1:36 pm ET

that was a smart move to apologize and i'm sure it was a mistake and lots of people make that mistake too. :)

Meriel   May 15th, 2009 1:36 pm ET

I think he should be forgiven because he said that he wouldn't do it again and he says he knows that what he did was stupid.

Jayson   May 15th, 2009 1:36 pm ET

Its bad for you!

Anonymous   May 15th, 2009 1:36 pm ET

he needs to become famous ina good iway again.....not a notty way very bad ms.phelps

Courtney   May 15th, 2009 1:36 pm ET

Yo I know that Michael Phelps made a mistake, but we all do. I'm just glad that he apologized for it, and acknowledged his mess up.

DaKotA ;P   May 15th, 2009 1:37 pm ET

I forgive him, because everyone makes mistakes in life! And, at least he apologized.

alosha   May 15th, 2009 1:47 pm ET

i dont think he needed to apologize in the first place he did what he did he got what he deserved and he owes us absolutely nothing

barthelmy   May 15th, 2009 1:50 pm ET

i think we should forgive him because everyone makes mistakes and the fact that he owned up to it and set himself straight shows hes sorry. I agree with what nick said so many people look up to him it would be terrible for treating him like a bad person when hes done more than any of us have.

zane   May 15th, 2009 2:14 pm ET

he should have another chance so yes i do except his apologie
everyone makes supid mistakes and everyone should have another chance so yes i do except his appology

Russell   May 15th, 2009 2:20 pm ET

I wouldn't accept his apology because if he was sorry or even smart he would not have done it in the first place.

Paige   May 15th, 2009 2:38 pm ET

I think we should forgive him because what he did wasnt that bad. He won us 8 gold medals and is an amazing swimmer. We can't hold a grudge against him for something as small and stupid as smoking,

Asma   May 15th, 2009 2:38 pm ET

I think he should be forgiven, even after what he has done. people used to look up to him and think of him as their role model. Now everyone will just remember him for what bad he has done.

stephen   May 15th, 2009 2:38 pm ET

i think that the statement phelps gave was not as truthful as it should have been, because i have friends how do drugs and they can't stop from only trying it once. i don't think that he is going to try to help people i thinkl he's going to keep doing it.

Alex   May 15th, 2009 2:38 pm ET

I think that its really funny that an american hero uses Illegal substances. when i heard that he smoked I was on the floor laughing

Emily   May 15th, 2009 2:38 pm ET

I really respect the fact that he came out and accepted responsibility for his actions. He seemed sincere for the most part, but at the same time, i also have to question his motives. Would he have stopped his bad habbits if he hadn't been caught, or did he appologize because it was wrong in the eyes of the public?

mohan   May 15th, 2009 2:38 pm ET

I htink that phelps is a very good swimmer and that we so just forgive him.

Bryce   May 15th, 2009 2:38 pm ET

I think people should forgive a athlete, because he doesn't deserve to be put in hate for the stuff that is in the past.

Andrew   May 15th, 2009 2:38 pm ET

Michael Phelps made a mistake and he apologized, ehich took a lot. But he did break the law and he never fully came out. So the respect I have for him is tainted.

Peter   May 15th, 2009 2:39 pm ET

I personally believe that we should not beat up Phelps so much for such a minor scandal. The United States has so very few people that it can look up to, and Phelps is definately one of them. Abandoning a national icon would make our society even more jaded than it already is. I bet Mr. T would agree with me as well.

Natalie   May 15th, 2009 2:40 pm ET

No, because everybody makes stupid mistakes and celebrities are in the spotlight more than ever and once they do its the end of the world but who cares? you will be guaranteed to make a stupid mistake in your life

kira   May 15th, 2009 2:45 pm ET

sure, i suppose i do.
i think everyone is subject to mistake.
who are we to point fingers. if he understands what he did wrong and is truly sincere about his apology then its all good.

Mary   May 15th, 2009 3:28 pm ET

I don't think I would accept his apology, but my friend Ilse would! She loves Micheal!

angela   May 15th, 2009 3:56 pm ET

i think i accept his apology. He apologized and he was suspended for a few months as punishment, so in my opinion all is well. However I do think he had reason to apologize, because what he does could influence his fans and those who look up to him. So i think it is wise for him to watch what he does, especially because he's an Olympian champ whom lots of people like.

Saphfire   May 15th, 2009 3:58 pm ET

I think that like a lot of people, Michael Phelps made a mistake and that he should be forgiven for it, but he should still be doing a lot of postitive work to make up for what he did because he is a huge role model to a lot of kids.

anna   May 15th, 2009 4:55 pm ET

i think that he should be more cafeful of what he does because people look up to him. but i think that people should foregive him and go on.

David   May 15th, 2009 4:55 pm ET

Even though Phelps did make a huge mistake when he chose to smoke, everyone makes mistakes. People can make the decision whether or not his apology is valid but in my opinion he owned up to his mistakes and we should believe him and accept his apology . However it is a great reminder for us not to put anyone person to far up on a pedestal.

Mei-Me   May 15th, 2009 5:05 pm ET

Yea, I accept his apology. Everyone messes up, and he is real well-known and appreciated role model.

Jessy And Barb   May 15th, 2009 5:20 pm ET

Sorry, I forgot to say my friend Barb helped me write that :)
So here's our comment:
---------------------
“Everybody makes mistakes, everybody has those days” – Hannah Montana (Also as my teacher would sing)

We all do things wrong, just because he’s famous, doesn’t mean we shouldn’t forgive him like we’d forgive others.

stephanie   May 15th, 2009 6:09 pm ET

His apology was fine but what he did wasn't. Now the world has to forgive him.

robert   May 15th, 2009 7:10 pm ET

i except his apology it was a mistake made a long time ago

B.Y   May 15th, 2009 7:49 pm ET

I think we should accept him and give him a second chance.
Because everybody can mistake and " stupid things".
We are not perpect one, but he is one of hero in the world.
I only hope it was his first and last stupid thing.
All we have to do is to watch his great spurt.

Zach   May 15th, 2009 7:59 pm ET

I would accept his apology. I think the reporters get better proof then just one picture, if he did it once, it might have just been a mistake. Everyone makes mistakes, and we should forgive him just like everyone else.

Jessica   May 15th, 2009 8:53 pm ET

I think he's just trying to apologize to get some sympathy! I don't fully believe it

justina   May 15th, 2009 10:06 pm ET

i would accept his apology because he admit doing it and he did not lie

Summer   May 15th, 2009 10:37 pm ET

I think that hes sorry for what he did. but i also believe that there is a chance that he will do it again. I'm sure if someone offered him Marijuana again he wouldn't think twice. I don't know this guy to well but i have know people who say they will quit and never do. Don't count your chickens before they hatch.

kaytlynn   May 15th, 2009 10:50 pm ET

i think micheal phelps should have been more carefu of what he was doing i thinkthat you shouldnt do that but if you need to relax go right ahead just joking!!!!

Junghoon   May 16th, 2009 4:23 am ET

yes

Abigail   May 16th, 2009 8:47 am ET

To tell the truth I was pretty shocked when I first heard the news but, considering the glory he brought to our nation I will accept his apology

ALEX   May 16th, 2009 8:48 am ET

I just hope he would never commit such a mistake once more

leah   May 16th, 2009 8:53 am ET

I would consider about it after the next Olympic.

Allie   May 16th, 2009 9:51 am ET

I think that we should accept his apology. But it is very dissapointing when you see him, a role model for some and the pride of the U.S. for having him swim for us, and then watch him just throw it all away. I hope that next time he will make the right choice and not let his country down.

Monique   May 16th, 2009 12:23 pm ET

I accept his apology because, he realized what he did and knew it was wrong. Second of all, why I would is because he deserves a second chance just like all the Hollywood starts have received forgivness for the twenty-fifth time. Personally I think he didn't need to apologize or be blamed for what the picture "appeared" to be. We don't know what really was in the pipe, and if it was drugs; then it was his fault. At least though he apologized and realized his mistake and plans not making the same mistake again.

casey   May 16th, 2009 1:44 pm ET

Yeah, I accept it.I think it is good he is trying to teach kids not to make the same mistake he did.

Ender   May 16th, 2009 4:58 pm ET

I accept his apology because I believe he doesn't take drugs on a normal basis, if he did how would he be such a dominant athlete.

George   May 16th, 2009 5:59 pm ET

I accept the apology. He's acknowledged he made a very stupid mistake and learned from bad judgement, and he's trying to work back up to a great role model. We should forgive him, but if he does it again we know we really shouldn't.

Bryan   May 16th, 2009 6:13 pm ET

Lots of people look up to Michael Phelps he broke the world record of most gold medals won in the Olimpics it`s just sad to know that he smoked marajuana but just because he`s famous dosn`t mean he should get some special treatment

Bryan   May 16th, 2009 6:16 pm ET

I think they are making a big deal about somthing small you don`t want little kids hearing about this and then doing what he did

william   May 16th, 2009 7:24 pm ET

what he did was wrong but it could have been worse besides he is an AWSOME swimmer and i forgive him

benny   May 16th, 2009 7:58 pm ET

i accept his apology because hi is an aswom swimer and wold be so cool if what thay side about him isn't true shout out to mr thompsens 6th grad class

Daken   May 16th, 2009 8:43 pm ET

I might take his apology about smoking marajuana.The reason that I wouldn't is he knows better.Some people would give him a break just because he's famous ,but famous people shouldn't get a break.

Connor   May 16th, 2009 8:47 pm ET

K i dont know why he would apologize to me, He is the best swimmer in the world, If i were him i would not appologize because he the best

Tedra   May 16th, 2009 9:10 pm ET

Carl, I think Michael should be forgiven, he did learn his lesson.

Secret Person   May 16th, 2009 9:52 pm ET

I don't think we should forgive him. I mean, he's a great swimmer but why does he smoke right away?

Maranda   May 16th, 2009 10:09 pm ET

I dont accept his apology he did something wrong and he knows that.And look at all the littlekids that look up to him and he should apology for his wrong.And he did have something to apologize for.

RyAn   May 16th, 2009 11:23 pm ET

yo the dude made a mistake just like any other human in the world, he apologized and took his punishment like a man, so now we need to forgive and forget.

p.s Carl if you read this on t.v i will get so much extra credit so please please please PLEASE read my blog.

Ryan   May 16th, 2009 11:29 pm ET

This whole story was just blown up by the media. Everyone does stupid things and just because he is a famous athlete he becomes a bad person. I know that he is looked up to as a role model but there is nothing to apologize for.

Jacie   May 16th, 2009 11:36 pm ET

I would forgive Michael Phelps, because everyone makes mistakes. But he does need to be more responsible because kids all around the world look up to him. If he wants to be a good role model for kids he can't have pictures of him taken with a bong to his mouth, and etc.

Alex   May 17th, 2009 12:26 am ET

i think we should forgive him. He made a mistake, and people are debating to forgive him or not? i mean come on its not like he is gonna go through life making every decision right. the world needs to forgive him and cut him a break

Dave   May 17th, 2009 4:31 am ET

Yes I would definetly forgive him for saying the truth and even if he did that is his personal life and he did not do it while he was on work.. I would glance at his past history to see how clean it is and let him go.. Yes if it repeats again and again then I would take action.. By the way Carl what you do , would you forgive him?

Sarah   May 17th, 2009 12:21 pm ET

He's my idol and i think we should forgive him because i dont think he knew what he was doing. Of coarse he had something to apologize for, he smoked, which is bad but he still is amazing.

ashley   May 17th, 2009 12:47 pm ET

i think we all should accept his apology.we are all not pefect.we all make mistakes that we regret.so we should forgive&forget.

nikki   May 17th, 2009 12:49 pm ET

i think we should forgive him he made a mistake and he takes it back.we all have done bad things and have been forgivin so why not forgive him.

harth   May 17th, 2009 12:50 pm ET

i think we should forgive him i mean we all make stupid choices in life but we can learn from them .

maddie   May 17th, 2009 1:01 pm ET

i think micahal phelps did the right thing to apologise. it was very smart. P.S: STOP doing the horrible jokes carl!!!!! there not funny!!!!!

James   May 17th, 2009 8:31 pm ET

We should all forgive him, he made a bad choice and we all do sometimes.
P.S. Carl, your jokes rock!

jeff   May 17th, 2009 10:46 pm ET

I think he should be forgiven especially since he wasn't hurting anybody but himself. Personally i don't think it was that big of a deal (not that i support drug use) because there already thinking about legallizing marijuana and he wasn't causing any harm to anyone. i dont think the person who took the picture should have relaeased to public either. it was none of that persons business. Im sure everybody has done something that has gotten them in trouble so people shouldn't be to hard on him.

Aya   May 17th, 2009 11:32 pm ET

I would accept Micheal Phelps's apology but i dont think that he got the right punishment. Yes, he was in jail for 3 months but if anyone not popular made the mistake he did, i dont think they would have the same punishment. I think that they made his punishment really easy for him. Just because he won olympic medals for the U.S., it doesn't mean that he gets to have a less-severe punishment fo what he did.

kathy   May 17th, 2009 11:35 pm ET

I don't think i could forgive him. I mean, why did he do it for?

Lucy   May 18th, 2009 6:18 am ET

Even if he's a great swimmer, he smoked and that could badly effect his life! Smoking is ADDICTIVE and if he doesn't stop as quickly as possible, he would die quickly. Yes, that is my point, I want him to live for long time without any painful illness. I want him to enjoy his everlasting victory in his unusual time in his life. He won the unusual attention from people so I don't want to forgive him. I would rather tell him to stop and think about his future.

Rachel   May 18th, 2009 7:17 am ET

I believe that we should accept his apology. It was good that he apologised and we could forgive him.

whhje   May 18th, 2009 8:58 am ET

yes and i accept his apology

Juliette   May 18th, 2009 9:44 am ET

He's in his 20's ! Believe it or not but thats what most 20 year olds do ! Seeing as he has 14 gold medals I think we can cut him some slack !

Kaitlyn   May 18th, 2009 11:09 am ET

To be hounest, I think is just another case of someone covering up what they did for publicity. Tons of athletes use drugs, and they ALL apologize when they get CAUGHT. NONE volentarily stand up and say "Yes, I did drugs, I apologize, so kick me off the team." So yeah, he may be a good guy, I wont deny that, but he's just another person.

chris   May 18th, 2009 12:36 pm ET

i dont except

Shelby   May 18th, 2009 12:59 pm ET

I think everyone makes mistakes in life and ofcorse he made a really bad mistake. I beleive he is trully soory, and i hope he means it.

Katelyn   May 18th, 2009 1:03 pm ET

Ithink that he knows that he is a romodel for many people and that is not right he is showing the kids that drugs are ok and i as a kid do not think that is not what he should be showing.

Bill   May 18th, 2009 1:32 pm ET

he is doing the right thing by apologising for smoking. he still deserves to get bad reviews though because he set a horrible example for kids. HORRIBLE!

George   May 18th, 2009 3:47 pm ET

He did the right thing to apologize. What makes me mad though is why accept other athlete's apologies after they took steroids and done the same thing but not accept his? And you can't say he's stupid for making a mistake if you've done a mistake and think you can get away from it. He didn't get away from, he paid for that mistake. That's not special treatment.

Ty   May 18th, 2009 4:27 pm ET

Well, I don't really care if he apologized he still smoked weed so I personally think he should he should have him a worse punnishment.

Jonathan   May 18th, 2009 4:28 pm ET

No, I don't accept Michael Pheleps apology because it was his mistake and he mde it on his own, but I do think he has learned from his mistake.

Tanner   May 18th, 2009 5:18 pm ET

I say cry me a river build a brige and GET OVER IT!!!!!!!

Robby   May 18th, 2009 6:16 pm ET

I would accept Michael Phelps apology. The reason is because he is a young kid and everyone makes mistakes. I think he has learned his lesson.

Austin   May 18th, 2009 7:06 pm ET

I really think that Michael Phelps shouldn't be forgiven because how many people have said they wouldn't do something ever again and did do it again, and besides what he did was illegal.

Nathan   May 18th, 2009 8:05 pm ET

I accept his apology. We all make mistakes sometime, some are bigger then others, but now that he's back i'm happy. I don't watch much swimming but i look at him as an icon for American sports.

gnome   May 18th, 2009 8:23 pm ET

yeah i think michael phelps shouldent be forgiven he knows better and he broke the law

Dans   May 18th, 2009 9:00 pm ET

I don't think it was harsh enough. A few years ago he used illegal drugs and he used them again and he's only APOLOGIZING?? he's a hero to little kids and just a bad influence. He needs a harsher punishment. HI TANGELO'S 6TH GRADERS WE ROCK!!!

Stephanie   May 18th, 2009 10:40 pm ET

I think Phelps getting caught smoking an illegal drug was not acceptable by any means and I do hope he has learned from his mistake. But people have to understand that he is human just like the rest of us and probably has a lot of pressure on him. But I think as long as people learn from their mistakes and don't make the same one twice then eveything should be okay:)

Haley   May 18th, 2009 11:14 pm ET

I accept his apology because if I made a huge mistake like that I would want to be forgivin. I can honestly say that I don't have quite as much respect for him or look up to him as much but I think that since he corrected his behavior his apology should be accepted.

Amanda   May 19th, 2009 12:33 am ET

I think Michael Phelps did have something to apologize for, and I'm glad he did. He didn't pretend it wasn't him or deny it, he came straight out with it. I wish the stars of today would stop doing these bad things so that the stars of tommorow don't think they have to become the next big thing by doing something bad.

Xi   May 19th, 2009 4:34 am ET

The answer is simple; NO.

Xi   May 19th, 2009 4:39 am ET

The reason; I'm not an anti of Phelps but LOOK AT THE STATE OF HIM!!! I just steamed when I was told he smoked marijuana. Thundering tarnation, I bet he did it because to GET ON THE NEWS, the impudent bloke. Olympic just ended, no swimming seasons for now. How can I be remembered? DRUG!! Yeah, that would make some publicity!

As every old men say "Untrustworthy is a pronoun for idols."

john   May 19th, 2009 7:57 am ET

I don't accept his apology because he didn't sound like he was sorry and he was doing illegal things.

Anastasia   May 19th, 2009 9:05 am ET

I think we should accept his apology because in the bible it says to forgive so we should frogive him. If he admitted that he smoked than we should accept. We all do wrong things in our life so we should forgive like people forgive us!
i love Michael Phelps !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

PeAcE OuT

Anonymous   May 19th, 2009 10:03 am ET

I think that he he should be able to go back and he should have never been suspended

Devin   May 19th, 2009 10:04 am ET

I think that he should have never been suspended

Josh   May 19th, 2009 10:05 am ET

Yes, I accept Michaelʻs apology. I mean, everyone does something wrong in their life and they just have to learn from it. All the athletes can make bad judgments, everyone is human you know! Donʻt worry Michael, everyone will make some mistake in their life.

Bayan   May 19th, 2009 3:34 pm ET

I dont accept his apology because he is a grown man and totally knew what he was doing, he just didnt think he would get caught. All these famous people think that they can do whatever they want, then apologize like its gonna make it any better and we would just be fools to believe them because they always run off and do the same mistake.
Remember: RULE OF LAW

Kevin   May 19th, 2009 7:49 pm ET

I think that everybody deserve a chance to be forgiven and plus he isn't the only athlete that uses drug

melinda   May 19th, 2009 8:45 pm ET

Yes, i accept his apology. Nobody is perfect. So what if he is a grown man and he knew what he was doing. There are people like you and me that make dumb mistakes and learn from them. And not all famous people make the same mistakes over.

melinda   May 19th, 2009 8:47 pm ET

yes cause if people didn't make mistakes there would be no world. Everyone would be perfect and i don't know about you but I would not want it that way.

Rachel   May 20th, 2009 12:18 am ET

I actually forgive Michael's Apology but that's only for me. I don't think other people would actually forgive Phelps even if he did say sorry and he would stop. He did have something to apologize for! Smoking is a bad thing and is making Phelps a bad role model to other kids! What do you think Carl? :)

Mickey   May 20th, 2009 12:18 pm ET

Dear Carl,
We should forgive him just because he did it one time dose not make him a bad person.

P.S. YOUR JOKES ARE VERY FUNNY!!!!!!

devin   May 20th, 2009 2:40 pm ET

I think that it was nice of Michael Phleps to say sorry but everyone makes mistakes and I guess thats because were human so get over it. Nobody is perfect and I wish him all the luck out there to stay out of the drugs.

Leyia   May 20th, 2009 3:47 pm ET

I do not accept his apology.my motto is "Don't do things you know you will regret."

Ryan   May 20th, 2009 7:41 pm ET

It is a good idea to appologize so other people won't do it. And i believe it. That was also a smart idea. People would not like it if he just sat back and didn't believe he was doing anything wrong. And so i believe him that it was a stupid mystake.

Maria and Courtnee   May 20th, 2009 11:04 pm ET

I think he should act more sorry! It would be a bad influence.

julian   May 21st, 2009 5:02 pm ET

well what is he doing that for any way.If i had the talent he had i would not do what he did all in a waste.

Alex   May 21st, 2009 9:06 pm ET

I think the apology was mainly to his coaches and die hard Phelps fans, but everyone had to be disappointed with him when the picture was uncovered. I personally don't accept it because he messed up and a picture leaked out. And if he's so sorry now, why did he do it in the first place?

Daniel   May 22nd, 2009 1:45 pm ET

I'm a swimmer too, and i think he is amazing. not to mention he is kinda hott.

Holly   May 22nd, 2009 4:08 pm ET

I dont accept. He shouldn't be able to keep his medals either. If somebody like me did that, i would be put in jail. What did he have to do? Stop swimming. Thats not fair.

Danielle   May 22nd, 2009 7:15 pm ET

I think that he should never be allowed to swim every again he is a role model for many kids and he has a responsibility as a role model to act better then the police!!!!!!!!

Melissa   May 23rd, 2009 11:43 pm ET

We are human! Everybody makes mistakes and i think we should forgive him. What he did was wrong and now he is asking for an apology. The least we can do is forgive him. I mean look at him! He got 8 olympic gold medals!

Jack   May 26th, 2009 1:44 pm ET

Everyone has done somthing stupid or illegal once, so why are they making a big deal about this. Everyone only cares about what stupid things celebrities and athletes do. They soul think about what they done in there life.

Marcus   May 26th, 2009 10:29 pm ET

Yes what Michael Phelps did was very wrong and irresponsible, he is his own person and we have nothing to do with his personal life. It is a bad influence on younger people and should have been more careful. He should attempt a rehab center so the people can see that he is trying to get help even if he isn't addicted then it will help people to forgive him. I do not agree with this desicion but like I said before it's his personal life and if he does something it is none of our business and it doesn't affect our liveds but his proffesional life so we should not have to worry too much about what he does.

matt   May 26th, 2009 10:59 pm ET

i do not accept his apology because he will probably do more drugs in the future and why do people care anyway it his life let him ruin it

Anonymous   May 27th, 2009 12:14 am ET

I would accept his apology because no one is perfect, everyone has done something wrong in there life. I am pretty sure that everyone has told a lie at least once in there life. So i would accept his apology.

Felix   May 27th, 2009 12:15 am ET

I would accept his apology because no one is perfect, everyone has done something wrong in there life. I am pretty sure that everyone has told a lie at least once in there life. So i would accept his apology.

cameron   May 27th, 2009 6:05 am ET

i would accept this apology because he made a mistake and he is not afraid ti say he was wrong. i mean he got suspended from his favorite thing for 3 months and he keeps saying he is sorry and i would accept his apology.

Hanna   May 28th, 2009 10:40 am ET

i think that he apologized and knows that he cant be a roll model with those things hanging over his head. he has to focus on what he is doing in life, because kids are following him and wanting to be like him. everyone makes mistakes and some people may not think that he is sorry, but in the end he should not make those mistakes anymore since he got caught.

celia   May 29th, 2009 11:18 am ET

I think what michael phelps did was wrong. I think that it might influence teenagers even more than they already are to do drugs. I think he did have something to appoligize for and he did. Everyone makes mistakes and i think that most everyone should be given a second chance.

Nora from Mrs. T's class   May 31st, 2009 5:41 pm ET

I think Michael Phelps did a very bad thing but he did apologize. In my book he probably influenced athletes to do drugs, but everone makes boo-boos. And everyone gets a second chance. So he deserves one too.

Fern   June 2nd, 2009 11:23 pm ET

Just like many people in America, we all make dumb decisians. But should he get suspened for for three months for a stupid mistake??? A little harsh if you ask me. But American teens do drugs every day- there are probably plenty of photos to prove that- and nobody in the media cares. Why Michael Phelps?

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