Michael "Marijuana" Phelps

Michael Phelps is associated with being a national hero and an olympic sensation. However, ever since early 2009 when this image was released of him, he's also been associated with marijuana and drug use.

This incriminating picture was taken at a college party in February 2009. This was during his "break" following the 2008 olympics in which he was very successful.

Soon after the event, he released a public statement apologizing for his actions. He said "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."

This apology earned him some credibility back, but he still lost multiple sponsors, including his biggest one, Kelloggs.

In my opinion, he didn't deserve this loss of the country's support. Many youths act in such a way and being an American hero, he still deserves our respect for his achievements despite a brief hiatus in character.