Michael Phelps likes to smoke...

[pnoon]

Originally Posted by ChicagoWhiteSox

The definition of a role model is a person whose behavior in a particular role is imitated by others. http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/role+model

I think what we're debating is what constitutes a positive or preferred role model.

By the strict definition, drug addicts and pedophiles are role models, too.

[Flatsix]

I have an 8 year old on a swim team that looks up to Michael Phelps as someone that has done something amazing. Phelps is a role model to my swimmer as I am sure that Phelps is a role model to a lot of young swimmers. Kids look to people like Phelps and think that they can accomplish what he has accomplished. Hopefully this blows over because I do not want to have a discussion with Lauren to explain why if drugs are so bad then how did Michael Phelps accomplish what he has accomplished when he is doing drugs.

I completely agree with Bazooka Joes earlier comments. Phelps is just another human prone to mistakes and that there is another lesson hidden in this. Maybe he doesn't want to be a role model but by virtue of what he has accomplished, he is and needs to watch his conduct.

On a lighter note he could still be appear on a cereal box

WEEDIES