Double Standards for Athletes

William Wolfrum from Shakesville makes some interesting observations regarding the media's interest in photos showing Olympian Michael Phelps using marijuana.

Brazilian soccer superstar Robinho was arrested for sexual assault last week.

But Michael Phelps smoked pot.

Syracuse University starting guard Eric Devendorf allegedly hit a female student in the face, but faced no charges and is again playing.

But Michael Phelps smoked pot.

Former Central Michigan University football player Darren Paul Martin was arrested for unlawful imprisonment, assault with intent to commit sexual penetration, attempted sexual conduct in the third degree, and a variety of other offenses.

But Michael Phelps smoked pot.

Two University of Arkansas-Monticello football players were arrested for a home invasion and "inappropriately touched" a woman in the house they robbed.

But Michael Phelps smoked pot.

Former NFL player David Meggett was arrested and charged with raping a 21-year-old woman in her North Charleston, S.C., home, authorities said. Meggett had been out on bond in connection with another sexual assault charge.

But Michael Phelps smoked pot.

Kobe Bryant scored 61 points in New York the other night, leaving Knicks fans cheering and prompting Ted Green to write a flowery article about him in the Los Angeles Times that included this passage:

His one big mistake in Colorado, followed by the ugly divorce from Shaq, made it easy for the haters, gave them plenty of ammunition, and they happily loaded up, some still firing to this day. But today, it all seems so old, so 2004, so tired, past-tense and out of touch. So childish.

In the same paper, you'll find this: "Michael Phelps could face criminal charges in South Carolina."

Because he smoked pot.

Women's Resource Center has no position regarding Michael Phelps' alleged drug use, but we do find it interesting that the media is so outraged over the message that drug use sends to children that those of us who don't even follow sports have heard the story. However, even those of us who do follow professional athletics hear little, if anything, about the myriad of charges against athletes who are violent against women, as if violence is perfectly ok to model for children. Think this isn't indicative of our society's priorities?

Arizona State University has settled a lawsuit with a rape survivor. The victim in the case was raped in her dorm room by a student who had been previously kicked out of school after accusations of rape, inappropriate sexual comments and touching, and exposing himself to female students and staff. The Arizona Republic reports that he "was allowed to return to campus in August 2003 and to rejoin the football team, but he received no counseling."

But Michael Phelps smoked pot.