Tabloid paper News of the World has a story that says Michael Phelps was caught smoking a bong. The story also contains a large photograph of a man they claim is Michael Phelps smoking a bong. The article also claims that Michael Phelps' managers offered incentives to kill the story.
As he basked in his hero status, Phelps knocked back beers and shots of spirits. And when a student offered him the glass bong engraved with red writing, he did not hesitate, says our source.
The 6ft 4ins athlete, in a white T-shirt and navy cap worn back to front, clasped the device in his huge hands and inhaled deeply.
Our source said: "You could tell Michael had smoked before. He grabbed the bong and a lighter and knew exactly what to do.
"He looked just as natural with a bong in his hands as he does swimming in the pool. He was the gold medal winner of bong hits. Michael ended up getting a little paranoid, though, because before too long he looked like he was nervous and ran out of the place."
We hope for Michael's sake the story is not true because it could have a deleterious impact on his endorsements and his career.
Update 2-1-09: Michael Phelps has apologized for his behavior.
