As most Americans, I too shared in the adulation dispensed to Michael Phelps in the Summer Olympics in Beijing. The infamous bong photo, upon which the media have fervently dwelled, supposedly has tarnished that adulation, as well as, I'm told, betrayed the trust of all his admirers.

I concede that Phelps' status allocates a burdensome measure of personal liability upon his actions, yet the outcry of disgruntled fans is more a reaction to their illusory and idyllic expectations being burnt away in the bong. With most the American population having never overcome the death of Bambi's mother, it's not surprising that Phelps may no longer be a viable endorsement option.

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