The Grass is Always Greener

Most people would kill to be Michael Phelps. Young, insanely talented, insanely rich, immensely famous and walking example of how if you win a bunch of gold medals, actually being attractive has very little to do with how many girls want to do it to you.

However, it seems pretty obvious that Michael Phelps just wants to be a normal 20 something. After the Athens games his star seemed like it couldn't get higher and he gets pulled over for a DUI. Not really the biggest deal, except for the fact that he was now this role model for young little swimmers everywhere. He apologized publicly and after a few weeks of press attention the world spun again on it's normal axis. Now, after the Beijing games pictures have apparently surfaced of young Mr. Phelps smoking marijuana at a party. And one can only assume the saga will continue.

I can't really blame the kid for wanting some semblance of a normal life. To do the same dumb shit that every other 20 something does. But, I think in his case he needs to realize he isn't a normal 20 something. He's got millions upon millions of dollars tied up in endorsement deals that rely heavily on his ability to be a spic and span image for the company that is paying him to appear in their advertisements. He is after all just a swimmer. And, like all other athletes of sports that the masses don't care about, endorsements are really the only way to make a living out of calling a pool your office.

I'm sure this will all blow over and Mr. Phelps will show up in London to win a few more golds. These repeat episodes do lend a bit of reality to what it's probably like to be him. Living in an alternate reality that most of us think would be extremely glamorous, but he clearly just wants to exist amongst the little people. Everybody wants what they can't have. But if I were Michael Phelps I'd take a long look in the custom installed mirror in your giant penthouse bathroom and remember that you live there because all those companies want you associated with their product because so many people look up to you. There are plenty of celebrities walking out of rehab who they could pay a lot less to do what you do for them. Maybe next time smoke weed in your penthouse and pay Jeeves to drive you home from the party. Just an idea.