Personal branding nightmare: Michael Phelps pot-smoking picture

by Dave Rigotti on February 5, 2009

michael-phelpsNews of the World published Sunday a photo and short account of Michael Phelps smoking marijuana. Shortly thereafter, he apologized for “regrettable behavior.”

Now, as a result of the picture, Kellogg is dropping his sponsorship saying the picture is “not consistent with the image of Kellogg,” reports the Seattle PI.

Now, there is even talks of criminal charges as well as him not competing in the 2012 Olympics. So, Michael, was it worth it?

Big personal branding tip: Don’t do anything illegal, especially when somebody is holding a camera.

Have your views of Michael Phelps changed? Should he face criminal charges? Tell me in the comments section.

UPDATE: Michael has been suspended from competition for 3 months by USA Swimming.