COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado, February 5. CONTRARY to USA Swimming's initial statement that did not foreshadow any future punishment, the National Governing Body has decided to reprimand Michael Phelps for his bong usage.
In a statement released tonight, "USA Swimming has reprimanded Michael Phelps under its Code of Conduct by withdrawing financial support and the eligibility to compete for a period of three months effective today, February 5.
This is not a situation where any anti-doping rule was violated, but we decided to send a strong message to Michael because he disappointed so many people, particularly the hundreds of thousands of USA Swimming member kids who look up to him as a role model and a hero.
Michael has voluntarily accepted this reprimand and has committed to earn back our trust."
USA Swimming previously released the following statement after Phelps admitted to the authenticity of the image depicting him using a bong:
"We are certainly disappointed in Michael's behavior. Our Olympic champions are role models who are looked up to by people of all ages, especially young athletes who have their own aspirations and dreams.
That said, we realize that none among us is perfect. We hope that Michael can learn from this incident and move forward in a positive way."
Additionally, according to the USA Today, Kellogg dropped its sponsorship deal with Phelps.
"The Battle Creek, Mich.-based company said … that Phelps's behavior … is 'not consistent with the image of Kellogg.'"
Full text of the USA Today article.