Michael Phelps speaks to Matt Lauer

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Record-setting Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps has done an in-depth interview with NBC’s Matt Lauer that will air on Friday’s ‘Today’ show and Sunday’s ‘Dateline’ program (7 p.m.).

Phelps speaks to Lauer about the episode recorded by camera phone and eventually publicized by an English tabloid newspaper where he was smoking from a bong pipe typically used by those smoking marijuana.

Among many questions Lauer asks is one most pointed: ‘I have to ask you, were you smoking pot?’ Lauer says.

The Phelps answer: ‘It was a bad mistake. I mean, we all know what, you know, what you and I are talking about. It’s a stupid mistake. You know, bad judgment. And it’s something that, you know, I have to, and I want to teach other people not to make that mistake.’

Well, Phelps certainly didn’t leave any, you know, smoking guns with that answer.

-- Diane Pucin