Michael Phelps - Can We Drop the Politically Correct Crap?

I really don't love sports. Never watch the Olympics. Couldn't care less about swimming. In fact, if Michael Phelps didn't have ADD, I really wouldn't care about him at all. But since he is a successful ADDer, he's on my radar, and I feel compelled to comment on the recent media attention he's received over being caught smoking pot.

Everyone seems to be so busy being politically correct and going on record to condemn Michael Phelps' behavior that no one is saying what many of us are thinking. So what?

Michael Phelps smoked pot. So what?

Did you ever smoke pot? I did. Granted, I haven't touched the stuff since college, but I smoked here and there, and I turned out okay. I also drank, smoked cigarettes, and had sex. I made good choices, and I made bad choices. And I turned out alright. In fact, I turned out pretty damn good.

I don't think Michael Phelps is a drug addict. I do think he's made some poor choices. When you're a public figure and viewed as a role model, you certainly want to be careful about what you do and who you do it with. And when you drink, you should NEVER drive a car. (I personally find this inexcusable.) But perhaps Michael Phelps' biggest crime in this pot smoking fiasco is quite simply being guilty of some ADD impulsiveness.

Is Michael Phelps still an ADD role model? Absolutely. His successes cannot be taken away from him. And his recent actions might even provide an excellent opportunity for parents to talk to their kids about drugs and drinking and the consequences of a person's choices and actions.

Need further convincing? See what Saturday Night Live's Seth Myers has to say about it. I couldn't agree more.

Comments

[Rory]

Jen -

Dead on! I really love your "No B.S." approach and telling it like it is. This is a great example of why it is so important to draw a line between what counts, what matters, and what's just nonsense.

He made a mistake! Let it go... (Not you - the world) ;-)

I have actually watched this situation somewhat closely just to see the responses out there, especially about whether or not they would be "ADD related."

For the most part - it's been about Michael and his decisions.

Great post!!

Rory
http://www.thetruthbehindadhd.com

[Bryan]

Bravo Jennifer! As Rory said: Dead on! btw Rory has a great article about this too.

Great post!

Bryan