Coffman’s Corner

By Clayton Coffman | ccoffman@flagler.edu

“The World is Yours.” Remember the scene from “Scarface” when Al Pacino’s character, Tony Montana, is staring into the sky at the blimp with the famous tagline going across the automated screen?

Well, Michael Phelps must have been thinking the same thing just before he (apparently) started smoking marijuana out of that nice, red bong.

Boy, it has to be tough for Phelps to realize that he has just ruined his image and future with this stupid mistake. The question is: why put yourself in a location that will, undoubtedly, make you look bad?

Remember Matt Leinart? He was partying with Nick Lachey and a bunch of underage girls. That’s done him a lot of good with Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt.

This isn’t the first run-in Phelps has had with the authorities. In 2004, Phelps was arrested and pleaded guilty to DWI. He said then, “I recognize the seriousness of this mistake.”

Really Michael? It’s like John Candy in “Uncle Buck.” He says to his brother’s wife, “I quit smoking! Now I’m onto cigars.” You quit one bad deed and move onto something else.

We’ve all made poor decisions and should be given a second chance, but with this new incident, punishment should be considered.

Currently, South Carolina police officials are looking into charges against the superstar. And they should.

For too long, athletes and celebrities have been left off the hook for committing crimes. Community service, group meetings and classes don’t work.

Phelps’ stupidity to go to a party and do this, while millions of people admire him, just reiterates the fact that we put athletes on too high a pedestal.

Yes, superstar athletes do make us loyal fans and constant watchers of their respective sport, but to put a halo around their head is ridiculous. They are not flawless.

Even Tim Tebow isn’t perfect; just watch his spiral. With Phelps deciding in the next few months if he should pursue the 2012 Olympics in London, maybe he should consider not being in the wrong place again.