I'll admit, I couldn't care less if Michael Phelps smokes pot or not.
He is an Olympic gold athlete that has already set records, made the history books and become a household name by the ripe age of 23. I'd say his accomplishments thus far in life overwhelmingly exceed this one immature decision. If Phelps's fans and supporters are going to turn their backs on him because of one published photo displaying him in a less than honorable light, then I believe it's their loss. To hold celebrities in such high stature virtually begs for disappointment.
NEWS-FLASH: THEY ARE HUMAN TOO!
I'd bet there is not a soul on this planet that hasn't made a mistake throughout their lifetime and later regretted it. Phelps hit a bong (or so the picture would seem). Phelps has apologized. Not that this excuses his poor behavior, but Phelps has also won eight Olympic gold medals in the Beijing games alone. Have you done that? No. Have I done that? No. Has anyone EVER done that? No. Give the boy a break. I'd say he's earned the right to a little recreational down time. Maybe he shouldn't have chosen to break the law but maybe Sheriff Leon Lott shouldn't have sent a dozen deputies to act upon a minor possession charge.
That being said...
I can vouch for the fact that I have never before heard of anyone being investigated so heavily in Columbia, South Carolina for a simple possession charge. Yep, that's right. My hometown is making headlines again.
Embarrassingly enough, in my attempt to avoid this news coverage like the plague, I had completely missed the fact that Phelps was actually caught on camera in a home only several blocks from where I grew up. I grew up on the now infamous Blossom Street. I have met and quite admire Sheriff Lott, as does the rest of the city. Coincidentally Joe McCulloch, one of the attorney's representing another client in the case, is good friends with my parents.
But most significantly (at least for me), is the fact that Dick Harpootlian, my former employer and best friend's father, is an attorney on the case in staunch opposition with Sheriff Lott and his harsh endeavors against Phelps. This particular point shocked me since Lott and Harpootlian are actually close friends and often work together. Throughout my time working for Harpootlian, Lott would be in our office for both business and friendly visits. I look forward to seeing how the charges brought against Phelps will pan out. Not because I am worried at all for Phelps's sake but solely because Harpootlian always makes for entertaining news coverage.
Posted below is the link to a Good Morning America interview with Harpootlian and McCulloch regarding the Phelps case. At one point in the story you'll see them standing in the exact spot that the above picture was taken of Pat Sharpe and me. Pat and I were (well, he still currently is) Harpootlian's couriers. Hands down one of the best jobs ever.
Harpootlian is interviewed in the story where I spent most of my time filing in the conference room. I hope this isn't considered an example of me "riding the tricycle"...
I'd like to consider it more as an opportunity of truly localizing a national headline.
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My story progress is clearly another issue. Honestly, I still have to write the web version tonight but I have so much more fun with the blog that I wanted to tackle it first. Really get those creative juices flowin', ya know?
My story this week explains the influx in auto repair sales since less people are buying new cars and instead fixing the ones they already own. My sources were very cooperative and friendly, however nothing is going to be as exciting as meeting Bob and learning about increased gun sales. You may think I'm being sarcastic but I kid you not, shooting my first gun was an awesome experience. Bob and Tristan were the nicest little gun salesmen ever. When I was done interviewing I thought they were kidding when they asked if I wanted to try shooting a bit. Low and behold, they were serious. I'm actually going to brag a bit and say that I really am a good shot. I got to keep my outlined-man paper target thing as a souvenir and I couldn't be more proud. If this whole journalism thing fails, I think I've found my calling. It's safe to say Bob definitely spoiled me and set the standards very high for all my other sources.
Mike and Tim at Perry Chevrolet were very nice as well. I suppose I am just biased because it's not like they could give me a convertible to drive as an equivalent to my target shooting experience. Oh well, ya win some...ya lose some.
Seeing as how it is already one 'clock in the morning and I still have a web version to write and more story ideas to investigate I better call it a night on mister blogster. You'll probably begin to notice that all of my posts occur very late (or early), depending on which way you look at it. I think it's quite possible that I have a bit of insomnia but that's a whole a whole 'nother story that I'll save for another day. Craig's List and all of its random people, places and story ideas awaits...
