We just told you about a South Carolina party yesterday, where Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps was allegedly photographed hitting a bong. Phelps came out publicly and apologized for the incident, which some might say is a heckuva admission of guilt.
However, who’d have thunk there’d be arrests made as a result of the photograph. Ok, there was the one sheriff that said he would arrest Phelps if he could prove that the young swimmer smoked the weed in his jurisdiction, but… eight arrests have been made!
Seven people were arrested for their alleged possession of marijuana , the eighth was arrested for dealing.
In an intriguing twist, one of the people arrested weren’t even at the party, this guy, who allegedly owns the bong, was bright enough to put up for sale on ebay for a 100 grand.
Way to raise bail money! Except… now your bong, AND your ebay add, are evidence.
Interestingly, Phelps himself has not been charged thus far in this case.
Phelps did however lose his Kellogg’s Cereal endorsement deal, his deal with Subway, and was suspended by USA swimming for three months.
According to news reports, the photograph of toking Phelps was taken originally at a University of South Carolina party, sometime in November. . . of last year. The photo wasn’t published until February second of this year.
Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott has been criticized by citizens from around the country for singling out phelps and crusading against him on the merit of this one photograph, the good Sheriff says he cannot let the incident slide just because Phelps is rich and famous.
In Response to Sheriff Lott’s stance and statements, such as:
“If someone breaks the law in Richland County, we have an obligation as law enforcement to investigate and to bring charges.”
Retired Seattle police chief Norm Stamper had this to say:
“No you don’t, Sheriff. You do not have to arrest the “someone” you’re referring to: the serial Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps.”
The Sheriff went on to talk about the discretion given to police officers, and their responsibility to use it.
I’d be willing to bet your pension, Sheriff, that every police officer in the country knows you have no legal mandate to arrest Michael Phelps. Cops understand that without the discretion granted them in law they’d be paralyzed, unable to do their jobs. Unable to make intelligent decisions about who gets a ticket and who doesn’t, who goes to jail and who gets a pass.
100% up to $3,000 Bonus
Bovada is our most recommended ONLINE CASINO and POKER ROOM for US players with excellent deposit options. Get your 100% signup bonus today.
Just when I thought the South was coming around, Now it seems like their as backward as they use to be…..