Phelps' pipe

CEBU - Several months ago, I sang praises for Michael Phelps after his historic winning of eight gold medals in the Beijing Olympics. But, a few days ago, Phelps broke my heart when news and photos about his indiscretion came out.

Like all other sports fans, I could not help but admire the heroes of the past and present for their feats.

Phelps did what seemed was impossible in Beijing and looks headed to greater goals. 

When a picture of Phelps appeared in a newspaper where he was using a glass contraption used to smoke cannabis or marijuana, I’m sure many of his fans felt very bad.

Phelps, although just 23, should have been more careful with his actions considering that many people look up to him as their idol. He has issued a statement regretting what he did and promising that it won’t happen again.

I sure hope so, but then there are wounds that would be hard to heal.

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Many times sports superstars commit mistakes, which they think was just very minor, but aren’t what they think so as so many people follow every move they make.

A few years ago, there was that celebrated rape case involving Kobe Bryant while Michael Jordan’s gambling once became a very hot topic.

Locally, we’ve had many cases of PBA players finding themselves in the wrong section of the newspaper.

It really is important for these sporting heroes to be very careful with their actions and not be blinded by the money they are getting and the popularity that comes with being sports stars.

The same goes for sports leaders. While you may say that what happens in your private life doesn’t have anything to do with sports, let me put it this way – the people who look up to you don’t see the line between your private life and you being their hero.

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When he was 16 years old, a sportswriter told Tiger Woods that soon his bag, which was then devoid of any logo would be stenciled with his name. Tiger reportedly answered that it would be cool.

Now, he surely has so many cool things that come with Tiger Woods like his apparel by Nike, the special drink made by Gatorade and many institutions that are helping the underprivileged.

He also has other ventures with his name attached to them that is earning him so much money.

Well, he’s one of those stars who is very careful about his actions although oftentimes he is caught on camera cursing after a bad golf shot, which to us duffers would have been great.

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MILESTONE: Happy birthday greetings to Hazel Jane Kiunisala, who is turning a year older today.

Belated birthday greetings go to lawyer and sports columnist Jingo Quijano, who celebrated yesterday.

More power to both of you! (THE FREEMAN)