The Michael Phelps Bandwagon
Written by Renee K | Sunday, February 15th, 2009
Almost everyone in the poker world has had something to say about Michael Phelps smoking pot. It is as if the poker industry has suddenly become his guardian angel.
Doyle Brunson was actually his host if not his guardian for a few days. Phelps and a few friends had dinner once with Doyle and a few friends. They did some night clubs in Vegas where Phelps was introduced to Doyle’s lady friends. Unfortunately that remained a one off event and Phelps did not sign up with Doyle’s Room. Which was a pity, because if Doyle could turn Pamela Anderson into a poker star one can easily imagine the magic he could have worked with Phelps. Anyway, in his blog Doyle wrote, “He [Phelps] is a nice kid, but he has to realize his every move is scrutinized and he can’t make mistakes like that. … He has lost lots of money because he has lost some major endorsement deals. I think Michael will get back on track. Remember, he is a 23 year-old kid.”
If and when Phelps becomes a poker pro he will surely feature as a Michele Lewis Stud of Poker. Meanwhile Michele, reacting to Saturday Night Live episode on Phelps, wrote in her blog, “Personally, I don’t really care what Phelps does in his personal life. After all, a personal life is supposed to be personal. … Yep, pathetic few mention a person’s intention to destroy someone’s career for their own personal gain. I’m not a drug user but come on, it’s not like Michael Phelps hurt anyone else’s brain cells.” She was referring to Seth Meyers condemnation of the guy who snapped Phelps with the bong and sold the picture to the tabloid. Meyers was blunter. He said, “If …you see Michael Phelps smoking a bong and … you take a picture and sell it to a tabloid, you should take a long look in the mirror because you’re a DICK. I mean, really!?!”
Also too much seems to have been made about losing endorsements. Phelps has definitely lost Kellogg and by all account will lose Subway. But according to Payton O’Brien, Senior Editor of Gambling 911, Speedo swimwear and Hilton will not be a problem. The Hilton Hotel group can hardly object to smoking pot when one of its heirs, Paris Hilton, has done things that indecent people shudder before doing. Speedo meanwhile has shown true friendship and has come out with flying colors. A public statement from Speedo read, “Speedo would like to make it clear that it does not condone such behavior and we know that Michael truly regrets his actions. Michael Phelps is a valued member of the Speedo team and a great champion. We will do all that we can to support him and his family.”
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· Written by Renee K · Filed Under Poker News · Comments Off
