Somehow, AMANDA BEARD NAKED IN PLAYBOY and Michael Phelps captured forever in a photo doing a bong shot do not seem to qualify as pictures of equal content. But that is a comparison Beard, a four-time Olympian, has made.Amanda Beard compared the level of negative scrutiny she received after she posed nude for Playboy, which occurred before the Beijing Olympic games, with the intense backlash Michael Phelps has been receiving for his bong picture. She said in a test message reported by Celebrity Mound, "If anyone knows public scrutiny, it's me. When I posed for Playboy, so many officials looked down on me. Michael knows he isn't a bad person. He made a mistake. People need to get over it. I want to cheer him on in London."
Amanda Beard getting looked down upon for having pictures taken of herself naked and that can be considered art is one thing. Michael Phelps' getting looked down upon for having a picture taken of himself taking a bong hit, which is an act involving an illegal substance, is quite another.
But Amanda Beard is entitled to her opinion.
As is Kellogg's. The breakfast food manufacturer announced that they would allow the current sponsorship contract with Michael Phelps to expire at the end of February, citing that his actions captured in the bong hit picture was "not consistent with the image of Kellogg."
The picture in question, according to the Telegraph, was taken at a private party at the University of South Carolina in November. Its recent surfacing in the U.K. tabloid News of the World has become an internet sensation and a personal and professional embarrassment for the 14-time Olympic gold medallist. He has since apologized for his "regrettable" behavior, but it seems that the fallout may be just beginning. Phelps has multiple endorsement contracts worth millions. Although not one of his sponsors has terminated their relationship with him over the bong picture, they may choose to do as Kellogg Co. has and simply allow their current contracts with the Olympic swimmer to expire.
And just as the dust was settling over the dropped sponsorship, the U. S. Olympic Committee announced that they were suspending Phelps for three months from any formal USA Swimming competition.
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Lost sponsorships and suspensions aside, Michael Phelps may also face legal consequences from the bong picture in Columbia, South Carolina. The Richland County Sheriff's Office are currently investigating the matter but have refused to comment on the manner of investigation or if any actual charges will be filed against Phelps.
And Amanda Beard thought that a few dirty looks from officials for posing naked for Playboy compares? Michael Phelps would have been far better off if there had been pictures taken on him naked...