Michael phelps smoking pipe

He was suspended Feb. Olympic great Michael Phelps acknowledged 'regrettable'' and 'bad judgment' after a photo in a British newspaper Sunday showed him inhaling from a marijuana pipe. In a statement to The Associated Press, the swimmer who won a record eight gold medals at the Beijing Games did not dispute the authenticity of the exclusive picture published Sunday by the tabloid News of the World.

For this, I am sorry.

What happened to michael phelps

I promise my fans and the public it will not happen again. News of the World said the picture was taken during a November house party while Phelps was visiting the University of South Carolina. The party occurred nearly three months after the Olympics while Phelps was taking a long break from training, and his actions should have no impact on the eight golds he won at Beijing.

He has never tested positive for banned substances. The case is unlikely to fall under any doping rules. Phelps was in Tampa, Fla. The U. We hope that Michael can learn from this incident and move forward in a positive way. Phelps was part of a group of elite athletes who agreed to take part in a pilot testing program designed to increase the accuracy of doping tests.

His spot in the program could be at risk, said Travis Tygart, head of the U. Anti-Doping Agency. Marijuana is viewed differently from performance-enhancing drugs, according to David Howman, executive director of the World Anti-Doping Agency. An athlete is subject to WADA sanctions only for a positive test that occurs during competition periods.