Pubdate: Tue, 17 Feb 2009 Source: Los Angeles Times (CA) Copyright: 2009 Los Angeles Times Contact: http://drugsense.org/url/bc7El3Yo Website: http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/front/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/248 Cited: Richland County sheriff http://www.rcsd.net/ Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/people/Michael+Phelps Bookmark http://www.mapinc.org/people/Leon+Lott MICHAEL PHELPS WON'T BE CHARGED WITH A CRIME A South Carolina sheriff says he is not going to charge swimmer after a photo of the 14-time gold medalist showed him smoking from a marijuana pipe. A South Carolina sheriff said Monday he was not going to charge swimmer Michael Phelps after a photo of the 14-time Olympic gold medalist showed him smoking from a marijuana pipe. Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott said during a news conference that he didn't have enough physical evidence to charge the swimmer, but he defended his investigation. "Michael Phelps is truly an American hero . . . but even with his star status, he is still obligated to obey the laws of our state," Lott said. Phelps released a statement after the sheriff's decision. "I'm glad this matter is put to rest. But there are also some important lessons that I've learned," Phelps said in the statement. "For me, it's all about recognizing that I used bad judgment and it's a mistake I won't make again. For young people especially -- be careful about the decisions you make. One bad decision can really hurt you and the people you care about. I really appreciate the support my family and fans have shown me and now I will move forward and dive back into the pool, having put this whole thing behind me." The photo showed Phelps smoking from a marijuana pipe at a party in November when he visited the University of South Carolina. Lott said he seized the marijuana pipe, known as a bong, that was in the photo but couldn't prove Phelps had smoked from it. "We had a photo and him saying he was sorry for inappropriate behavior. He never said, 'I smoked marijuana.' We didn't have physical evidence," Lott said. Holding a bong is not a crime, he said. "They're sold in stores. We're kind of sending a double message," Lott said. "You can buy rolling papers at any convenience store in the world, but we're telling kids not to smoke dope." USA Swimming suspended Phelps for three months after the photo was published, and Kellogg Co. said it would not renew its endorsement deal with him. The sheriff's office said eight people were arrested during the investigation. Seven have been charged with simple possession of marijuana, which carries a maximum penalty of 30 days in jail or a $575 fine. Another person was arrested on suspicion of driving with a suspended license. - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake