Phelps and A-Rod

Yeah more than a little bit behind on the Phelps issue. However I think it is important to say a few words about the situation. Phelps, in short, was stupid. Stupid for being 24 years old and still hanging at what amounts to a fraternity house; stupid for putting the pipe to his lips; stupid for being around an illegal situation. But nothing tops the fact that Phelps was stupid for not thinking what could happen before he acted. Far too often what seems as a simple act turns into a major catastrophe because people, usually young people, do not weigh all of the consequences before doing something. I am certain Phelps thought he was doing something harmless. But what Michael failed to consider is that, in today's world of E! Television and TMZ.com, the average person loves to see celebrities fall. As pathetic as most normal people, myself included, would think it is to profit off of a situation like this there are many tabloid periodicals and television programs that pay decent money for a picture like the one taken of Michael. Why? Because there are even more people who buy the tabloid newspapers and watch TMZ on television...which means more advertising revenue. I can't imagine how tough it is today to even be a "F" list celebrity because you definitely trade your anonymity and personal life for the fame.

I do applaude the decision made by USA Swimming to ban Michael for 3 months. I applaude the decision because it sent a message to younger swimmers and parents that image does matter and sends a message to other USA Swimming National Team members that their conduct away from the pool does matter. The suspension is long enough that is carries a little bit of punishment, but Phelps will still be able to train and get ready for World Championships this July. It sent a message to Michael's sponsors that a punishment was handed down so that they didn't have to act on it. But, most importantly, it put the issue to rest. Aside from the attention-seeking sherriff in South Carolina who seemed intent on getting to Phelps the issue was put to rest in the court of public opinion. We also have to give Phelps credit for being honest and admitting his guilt immediately without excuse (see below) and without taking the Clintonian way out.

And then there is Alex Rodriguez. I'll paraphrase former Arizona Cardinals Head Coach Dennis Green here: A-Rod is who I thought he was! He's who I thought he was! I for one do not buy the young, stupid, and naive excuse one bit. He took this banned substance (READ: CHEATED) starting when he was 24 through age 26 or 27. Someone who is 26 years old should know the difference between right and wrong...especially someone who has been playing MLB baseball for eight years at that point. Rodriguez' statement yesterday probably brought up more questions than answers (read Jayson Stark's column on espn.com) and may turn out to be more of a diversionary tactic rather than an element of closure. It is a shame he could not just come out and do something really novel: tell the truth. That's really all he had to do: tell the absolute truth. Recent history has showed those who come completely clean are forgiven a lot quicker than those who do not. Here's a fearless prediction: the possible incosistencies Rodriguez has given out over the last 10 days will follow him at least for the rest of this season. The $25 million Rodriguez will earn this year can buy a lot of things, but it cannot buy him peace of mind.

Of course there is a lesson to learn from all of this. If you make a mistake, come completely clean. Do not be dishonest to hide the truth. No matter how you try to cover it up the full truth is always out there and is usually known to those you are confessing/apologizing to before you even get to the confession/apology point.