SWIMMING: USA Swimming have suspended Michael Phelps for three months following the publication of a picture apparently showing the multi-Olympic champion using illegal drugs.
The 23-year-old, who won eight gold medals at the Beijing Olympics last year, issued a public apology after a British tabloid published a photo of him inhaling from the type of glass pipe used to smoke cannabis.
Although he stopped short of admitting to using cannabis, Phelps earlier this week issued a statement apologising for his “regrettable” behaviour and for having “demonstrated bad judgment”.
The Baltimore swimmer has been backed by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and FINA, the sport’s world governing body.
However, his national governing body earlier confirmed the three-month ban and withdrawal of financial support.
This was then compounded by the announcement that sponsor Kellogg would not renew their contract with the swimmer when it expires at the end of the month.
The USA swimming statement read: “USA Swimming has reprimanded Michael Phelps under its Code of Conduct by withdrawing financial support and the eligibility to compete for a period of three months effective today, February 5, 2009.
“This is not a situation where any anti-doping rule was violated, but we decided to send a strong message to Michael because he disappointed so many people, particularly the hundreds of thousands of USA Swimming member kids who look up to him as a role model and a hero.
“Michael has voluntarily accepted this reprimand and has committed to earn back our trust.”
Phelps’ suspension runs out in early May meaning he will be eligible for the World Championship trials in July if he decides to defend the seven titles he won in Melbourne in 2007.
The World Championships are being held in August in Rome.