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Originally Posted by afterthefact
I don't think he should have apologized, for the exact reason you mentioned. When people apologize for this stuff, it comes off as a complete PR move. Does anybody really think he is sorry for hittin' the bong? Of course not; everybody and their mothers know that apologies like this are never heartfelt and they were only prodded to do this by some lawyers.
I would have way more respect for him if he said something along the lines of the fact that he never placed himself as a role model in all aspects of life; he is a great swimmer and somebody for people hoping to reach the same goals he reached. SOOO many people smoke pot, and because he was placed on a pedestal for all people to look up to, when all he wanted to do was be a great swimmer, he is now demonized for it.
And for anybody who thinks that he is still setting a bad example for some because swimmers who looked up to him now may think that you can take bong hits and still wins gold medals at the olympics, well guess what: apparently you can, so maybe it's not that bad of an example after all.
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Oh yeah, let it come off as a PR move, that may be exactly what it was. But a PR move is made regardless of which way he goes. It's still illegal and considering all the hoopla regarding athletes doing drugs, it was a good move for his career. That's the key, if you're him. Sure,everyone does it blah blah, but the last thing you need is to deny it or not apologize and get more neverending questions about his drug use and even whether other drug use may have played a role in his success.