All-too-human Olympians
It was the closest Super Bowl showdown in years. Sundays Pittsburgh Steelers 27-23 win over the Arizona Cardinals was watched by almost 100 million viewers. But just one day later, the game isnt top of mind when it comes to sports news. Ben Roethlisberger can thank Michael Phelps’ lack of judgment for that.
But Phelps is not alone in mucking up a good rep. A round-up of Phelps and other disgraced Olympians:
Can Phelps avoid trouble? Swimmer gets caught with bong
After pleading guilty to drunk driving in 2004, just months after winning six gold medals at the Athens Summer Games, the Olympic Golden Boy is making headlines once again for bad behavior. Star magazine reports that the 23-year-old spent a recent weekend at the University of South Carolina smoking pot and boozing, and with the photographic evidence to back it up.
A debacle to be sure for Phelps’ sponsors, but he has since apologized, and the International Olympic Committee has accepted. (Kevin Frayer / Associated Press)
Marion Jones fesses to steroid use
Three-time Olympic gold medalist Marion Jones pleaded guilty in October to lying to federal investigators when she denied using performance-enhancing drugs. Jones was handed a two-year suspension from track and field competition before announcing her retirement the same month. She forfeited all of her competitive medals dating back to September 2000 and in January was sentenced to six months in jail. (Mary Altaffer / Associated Press)
Pettigrew gives up the gold
He was formally stripped of his gold medal Aug. 2, but Antonio Pettigrew, left, had already given up the honor in May when he admitted using performance-enhancing drugs and human growth hormone between 1997 and 2003. The International Olympic Committee stripped gold medals from the entire U.S. men’s 1,600-meter relay team that competed at the 2000 Olympics in the aftermath of the admission. (Thomas Kienzle / Associated Press)
Stanley suspended for assault
U.S. Olympic volleyball player Clay Stanley was arrested in Athens one day after the 2004 Summer Games had ended. After having an argument with a couple, Stanley is said to have attacked the woman. He was arrested and charged with assault, criminal damage and resisting arrest. Stanley apologized for the incident, claiming he was drunk, and was later received a 15-month suspended sentence. (Ricardo Moraes / Associated Press)
