Originally published by the Voice of America (www.voanews.com).
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February 6, 2009

Phelps Receives Three-Month Suspension For Smoking Marijuana
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http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=221D3F3:A6F02AD83191E1600194A137DB0C7AF00531BB26A5003E7B&
 
Olympic swimming champion also lost contract with one of his top
commercial sponsors, Kellogg 
      Michael Phelps at the Beijing Olympics (file)

 Multiple Olympic swimming champion Michael Phelps is beginning to feel
the effects of a recently published photo showing him with a marijuana
pipe.

 USA Swimming handed the 23-year-old Phelps a three month suspension
from competition on Thursday. The organization also cut off its
financial support to Phelps for the same time period.

 USA Swimming says Phelps did not violate any anti-doping rules. But it
decided to send a strong message to the winner of a record eight gold
medals at the Beijing Olympics, who is seen as a role model and hero.

 The International Swimming Federation and several sponsors continue to
stand behind Phelps. But cereal and snack maker Kellogg says it will not
renew its sponsorship contract with the American.

 Some information for this report was provided by AP.


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