February 19, 2009

StreetTalk by Carol Rosen

A couple of weeks ago, Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps was pictured in a London tabloid smoking a bong. He later was suspended from swimming at U.S. Swimming meets and dropped from his endorsement of Kellogg’s cereals. What do you think of his punishment? (Asked at the Almaden Branch Library and Community Center)


“He should take that punishment. It’s good enough to tell him not to do it again.”

Xuan Hoang, 49
Almaden
Electronics


“I don’t think his smoking a bong is that bad but the publicity will affect his endorsements. That’s the risk he runs when he does questionable activities and gets photographed doing them.“

Ted Pohlman, 52
Almaden
Software engineer


“I think society has far bigger fish to fry. The laws are a joke, it (marijuana) should be legalized and taxed. I don’t use it myself, but there’s been way too much exposure. Let him alone and relax. But if there are rules, then he should have followed them.”

Jason Spitzer, 45
Almaden
Process engineer


“I think his punishment probably fit the crime. He’s a young guy and he should be an example. He used poor judgment so he deserves the repercussions unfortunately.”

Ron Perrotta, 43
Almaden
Business consultant


“I think the fact that he is an icon and he’s getting money from endorsements makes him a role model and gives him the responsibilities associated with that role. His punishment is small compared to the action that would have been taken had he used a substance that enhanced his performance, then he should have been suspended for three or four years. But he is a role model and has a responsibility because of that role. He gets perks and benefits so he must be responsible too.”

Emad Yahya, 43
Almaden
Sales engineer


“I think it’s fair and just. As an Olympian he represents the United States and he should act accordingly as a representative. I think anyone who acts as a U.S. representative has to behave professionally.”

Lea, 40ish
Almaden
HR specialist


“I think he should not continue as a sponsor because he doesn’t set a good example. They need someone clean to do advertising.”

Karla Phillips
Almaden
Second/third grade teacher


“I was so disappointed. My son was dressed as Michael Phelps for Halloween because he was proud of him, but he [Phelps] didn’t use his brain. I can understand that Kellogg’s would want to protect its image.”

Gaetane Thibaudeau, 42
Almaden
Homemaker/nurse