| CNN: Double standard for Phelps and A-Rod
 "Is Michael Phelps getting a raw deal?" asks CNN's Jason Carrol.
Carroll reports that marijuana advocacy groups see a double standard between the way that Michael Phelps and Alex Rodriguez have been treated. A photo of Michael Phelps hitting a bong filled with marijuana smoke surfaced last week and has since been a hot topic in the blogging world, talk shows, and even CNN.
The owner of the famous 'Michael Phelps bong' and seven others were arrested in connection with the Phelps' bong photo, and "the local sheriff is still considering pursuing charges" against Phelps. In addition, as punishment for admitting the use of marijuana on the night of the bong photo, he has been suspended by USA Swimming for three months. Finally, Kellogg's has refused to renew Phelps' contract. Phelps issued a full apology for his behavior.
On the other hand, Rodriguez admitted to using performance-enhancing illegal steroids for three years and has suffered no punishment from the government, Major League Baseball, the New York Yankees, or corporate sponsors.
Marijuana activists are not taking the situation lightly, and have called for a boycott of Kellogg's products, Raw Story reported on Tuesday. Four national organizations are participating in the boycott.
"Kellogg's had no problem signing up Phelps when he had a conviction for drunk driving, an illegal act that could actually have killed someone," said Rob Kampia, the Marijuana Policy Project's executive director. The groups calling for the Kellogg's boycott are using the Phelps incident as an opportunity to renew their calls for decriminalization of pot.
Carroll concluded that despite both substances being illegal, there is a double standard in terms of perception and punishment. "Smoke a little pot and you get punished," Carroll says while masking a giggle. "Use illegal steroids and you seem to get a free pass."
This video is from CNN's American Morning, broadcast Feb 11, 2009.
Download video via RawReplay.com
Originally published on Wednesday February 11, 2009. |
