Michael Phelps bong picture / Michael Phelps marijuana (pot) photo

Michael Phelps smoking pot? Is there a Michael Phelps marijuana picture? There were sketchy reports earlier today that Michael Phelps was caught smoking from a bong, a water pipe normally used for smoking marijuana. Initially downplayed as a rumor, it has recently been confirmed by Michael Phelps himself who issued an official statement and public apology. Phelps has acknowledged that the photo of him smoking pot released by British paper News of the World is true and genuine (see the photo HERE). The photo was reportedly taken at the University of South Carolina in Columbia where Michael Phelps was visiting a female student. Their relationship was being kept under

wraps to avoid publicity but has now exploded into the media because of this controversy . Here is the statement released by the Olympic champion: (Photo courtesy of Flickr/Karen Blaha)

I engaged in behavior which was regrettable and demonstrated bad judgment. I'm 23 years old and despite the successes I've had in the pool, I acted in a youthful and inappropriate way, not in a manner people have come to expect from me. For this, I am sorry. I promise my fans and the public it will not happen again.

News of the World also reports that Michael Phelps has been partying each night he was there. this is, of course, no surprise as there have been numerous reports of the same in other places where the Olympic gold medalist visited since winning in Beijing. Looks like Michael is making up for lost opportunities when he was deep in training for the Olympics.

The British newspaper also claims that people from the Phelps camp allegedly tried to stop them from publishing the photos and offered the paper extraordinary incentives not to publish their story. That is quite understandable due to the damage this news has done to the image of the champion. I just hope he is sincere in his apology and promise to let it happen again. BTW, when he said it won't happen again, did Michael Phelps mean he won't do it again or he won't get caught again? Just a thought.

Report: Michael Phelps caught using bong / Phelps smoking pot