(CNN) -- A South Carolina sheriff's office is investigating whether Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps smoked marijuana on the University of South Carolina campus. Authorities will file criminal charges if the investigation determines that they are warranted, a spokesman said Tuesday. "If someone breaks the law in Richland County, we have an obligation as law enforcement to investigate and to bring charges," Sheriff Leon Lott said in a statement. "The Richland County Sheriff's Department is making an effort to determine if Mr. Phelps broke the law. If he did, he will be charged in the same manner as anyone else. The sheriff has a responsibility to be fair, to enforce the law and to not turn a blind eye because someone is a celebrity." Phelps admitted "regrettable behavior" on Sunday after a British newspaper published a photograph of him smoking through a bong. The tabloid News of the World showed Phelps using the bong during what it said was a November party at the University of South Carolina, in Richland County. Both university police and Columbia, South Carolina, police have said they would not pursue charges, according to The State newspaper in Columbia. It was unclear where the party took place, the paper said, or whether it was on the USC campus. "I engaged in behavior which was regrettable and demonstrated bad judgment," said Phelps, who won a record eight gold medals at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China, in a statement Sunday. "I'm 23 years old, and despite the successes I have had in the pool, I acted in a youthful and inappropriate way, not in a manner that people have come to expect from me," he said. "For this, I am sorry. I promise my fans and the public -- it will not happen again." The U.S. Olympic Committee also issued a statement that said in part, "Michael has acknowledged that he made a mistake and apologized for his actions. We are confident that, going forward, Michael will consistently set the kind of example we all expect from a great Olympic champion." In 2004, Phelps was arrested on charges of driving under the influence in Salisbury, Maryland. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 18 months probation. He also issued an apology after that incident. Phelps is one of 12 Olympic athletes who have signed on to "My Victory," an initiative launched last year by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency aimed at keeping competitive sports clean.
Bullshit, this guy needs a life. You know the only reason he is doing this is because it's Michael Phelps and the guy wants some type of reputation since he is so well known, Oooo watch out guys, Sherlock Holmes is in the fucking house. About to make the bust of his career cracking down on some dude that did a bong hit at a college party weeks ago.
lol idk what to think about this. i kinda feel bad for him. but i'm sure he'll get through it just fine.
what the hell was he doing? He was just taking a bong rip and someone snapped a picture of him doin that shit Thats sad that americans can turn our backs on him so quickly, he should be treated like a hero and shouldnt have to work another day in his life. Thats how other countries treat their olympic champions.
So what would they charge him with if they did? Bc I'm pretty sure there's no law against smoking weed, just being caught with it
That's such bullshit. Instead of following up on valid crimes, they investigate to see if someone harmlessly smoked cannabis? Disgusting.
I didnt know pictures of someone smoking was illegal Phelps probably has an expensive lawyer that would silence the piggies
Was that directed at me as a statement or a question? If it was a statement, my first post was directed at the douchebag cop trying to get a reputation and not phelps.
I say that if the man wants to toke it up, let him. The guy won 8 motherfucking gold medals, who gives a shit if he smokes the chronic?
do they really go around busting regular people for being photographed smoking? no... so i guess they're not really treating him the same are they
Just think, if Phelps actually told the world about how weed isn't what everyone thinks it is, the world would actually open their eyes towards the possibility. If such an inspiring person told the world the truth about marijuana, it'd be the counter-culture all over again. Everyone would be smokin' grass, protesting for grass, or support grass. If only people wouldn't try so hard to conform with society and give it what it wants. I hope Phelps realizes this in the near future, and shares with the world what his true thoughts on marijuana are, not society's thoughts. Although it will most likely ruin his reputation as an Olympian, it would set the world free and open the eyes of many. If I were in his position, I would give up my life of fame (possibly) and fortune for the greater good.
Im just thinking... what kinda of sentence would the give him.. for smoking pot lol? im sry taking a picture smoking pot... they cant prove there was pot in there... lol cuz phelps destroyed the evidence lol!!! i was wondering cuz.. with all the pics ive taken smoking blunts,bongs, and pipes... they could lock me up for years
Yeah I love how he says he can't give him special celebrity treatment and turn a blind eye. That's so ridiculous. I almost have a hard time believing this is for real, but I know it is.