The athlete, who has been swimming in hot water since a photo of him smoking a bong went public, can now come up for air.
According to new reports, Michael Phelps will not be charged with illegal drug use.
Sheriff deputies in Richland County, South Carolina (the place where the photo of Phelps and the marijuana pipe was taken) just announced that they will not be arresting the Olympic champion for drug possession.
The photo, which was taken at a party in November when Phelps visited the University of South Carolina, has been one of the most viewed shots on the Internet since it was published earlier this month.
While the part man/part fish was let off the hook today, law enforcement officers in South Carolina were quick to point out that he might not be so lucky should there be a next time.
“Michael Phelps is truly an American hero,” sheriff deputies told reporters earlier today. “But even with his star status, he is still obligated to obey the laws of our state.”
By the way, eight other people were arrested in connection with the photo — seven for possession and one for dealing.
The police investigation may be over, but the fallout from the leaked photo is far from complete for Phelps.
The swimming sensation recently released a video featuring a public apology to the people of China.
After winning eight gold medals at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, Phelps became a household name in the Asian country, and many Chinese children considered him an idol.
In the minute-long subtitled video apology Phelps tells his young fans:
“As many of you know, I recently engaged in behavior which was regrettable and not what people have come to expect from me.”
It’s not known whether the kids in China bought Phelps’ apology, but Mazda Motor Corp. apparently did. After Phelps issued the apology, Mazda agreed to honor the seven-figure contract it entered into with the Olympian last year.