illegal act and that Mr. Phelps was smoking marijuana in a
jurisdiction where it was prohibited at that moment, I cannot bring
myself to disagree with the sanctions brought against Michael Phelps
by his swimming federation. Nor can I find a reason to boycott
Kellogg's or anyone else's products because they pulled a sponsorship.
I guess the bottom line for those organizations probably is rooted in
a turn of a phrase in a line in a mission statement on a wall
somewhere or on a legal pad pushed across a table in a boardroom with
the words "LIABILITY" and "ETHICS" underlined...scribbled in red pen.
They did the only thing their rules allowed them to do.
I'll go even one step further and say that, he is extremely fortunate
that it was only an amateur photographer with a cell phone who
happened by these are the only consequences. Who ever knows when a
real law enforcement officer might stop by the local frat house?
Who here is the best role model? Is it USA Swimming for suspending him
for three months after publicly stating their support for him? Is it a
corporation deciding that "Michael's most recent behavior is not
consistent with the image of Kellogg's" based on its value statement*
promise to "Aggressively promote and protect our reputation"* being a
higher priority than the one to "Personally commit to the success and
well being of teammates"*?
I'll join a boycott based on the idea that Kellogg's public image
seems hypocritical and values reputation over people and their failure
to "Listen to others for understanding"* and that they did not seem to
"Assume Positive Intent"* to "Help people to be their best by
providing coaching and feedback"*.
"Michael accepts these decisions and understands their point of view,"
said Drew Johnson, an agent of Phelps, in a news report. "He feels bad
he let anyone down. He's also encouraged by the thousands of comments
he's received from his fans and the support from his many sponsors. He
intends to work hard to regain everyone's trust."
In fact, Phelps could take this opportunity to send a message to young
people about drug use. He could become a strong anti-drug advocate or
might become a physician dedicated to the study of medical marijuana
science and reform of alcohol and marijuana laws. He might be seen on
MTV's "Sober House" next season. At the age of 23 he is in a position
to do many things with his future and his status as a "role model".
Everyone is a role model, the strongest and most enduring in history
being the ones with core values that are unwavering. One of those core
values is honesty and honesty is what keeps us committed to our other
core values. Whether you support him or not you have to give credit
where credit is due, role model Barack Obama said in 2004 that he was
committed to reform of drug laws and recently said in a television
interview, "I inhaled frequently, That was the point".
It seems that honesty and real ethics might even get you elected
President. I've got the munchies now, I'm going to get a snack and a
coffee...maybe Wheaties.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQr9ezr8UeA&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cpBzQI_7ez8
*http://manonamission.blogspot.com/2005/11/kellogg-companys-k-mission-statement.html
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