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Marijuana-Smoking Pic Costs Michael Phelps Kellogg's Sponsorship Contract

February 06, 2009 04:41:38 GMT

Kellogg Co. has confirmed that it will not renew Michael Phelps' sponsorship contract, claiming his recent behavior is "not consistent with the image of Kellogg."
Michael Phelps
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© Janet Mayer/PR Photos

Cereal and snack maker Kellogg Co. has decided not to renew its contract with due to his marijuana-smoking picture which was made public by News of the World on late Saturday, January 31. A confirmation on the contract severance has been made by the company's spokeswoman on Thursday, February 5.

"We originally built the relationship with Michael, as well as the other Olympic athletes, to support our association with the U.S. Olympic team," the spokeswoman said in a statement. "Michael's most recent behavior is not consistent with the image of Kellogg. His contract expires at the end of February and we have made a decision not to extend his contract."

On the same day, USA Swimming, the sport's governing body in the U.S., also suspended Michael Phelps from competition for three months. The record-breaking Olympian swimmer, additionally, was denied financial support for three months by USA Swimming.

"This is not a situation where any anti-doping rule was violated, but we decided to send a strong message to Michael because he disappointed so many people, particularly the hundreds of thousands of USA Swimming member kids who look up to him as a role model and a hero," the federation explained, adding, "Michael has voluntarily accepted this reprimand and has committed to earn back our trust."

Unlike Kellogg Co., Speedo and luxury watchmaker Omega have previously confirmed to stand by Phelps, stating they will still use him as their celebrity spokesperson.



Post Your Comments

posted by xooxx on Sep 21, 2009
tony the tiger took roids
posted by silence dogood on Feb 11, 2009
Michael Phelps is truely my hero and should be yours for smoking weed and still being the GREATEST OLYMPIAN known to mankind. Dude knows how to live. Michael Phelps for president!
posted by Space Age Device on Feb 10, 2009
As far as endorsements go, what if he'd been wearing the competitors watch in that photo, instead of his Omega? He could of been totally screwed for that. Kelloggs... nothing but diabetes in a box. check out their nutrition website's "Diabetes Friendly" section and see "which products" are, and aren't... Froot Loops(no real fruit), Honey Smacks(no longer called Sugar Smacks).. So who's the real bad guy here? Could it be Corn Syrup and Sugar? Just ask millions of Americans adults and children with diabetes. I think Michael should take on the Cereal Killers. If they're gonna try to screw him.. he should do the same to them. Now tell me who would be the better Role Model to kids for doing that??
posted by kellogs on Feb 10, 2009
he is a major dumshit
posted by KelloggsH8r on Feb 10, 2009
what a dope!!!
posted by he sucks on Feb 10, 2009
the idiot deserves what he gets
posted by KelloggsH8r on Feb 10, 2009
DONT BUT KELLOGGS!!!! PHELPS RULEZ!I STILL LOVE HIM!!!
posted by KelloggsH8r on Feb 10, 2009
BOYCOTT KELLOGGS!!!!!!!
posted by solargreenman on Feb 09, 2009
Boycot Kellogs! No more snap crackle and pop for me!
posted by ckelso on Feb 07, 2009
I need to understand. Michael Phelps, one of the greatest athletes of all time, was "Tripp"ed up by a photo smoking pot. It is ironic that Kelloggs, the maker of toxic sugar bombs for children, (really, my kids run around the house screaming after they're allowed the rare bowl of Fuit Loops or Cocoa Krispies) have issued a statement that Phelps' "behavior is not consistent with the image of Kellogg". He won the gold medals and broke world records through extraordinary focus, hard work, confidence and persistence. Imagine the years of early-morning practices and the overcoming of inevitable defeats that preceeded his ultimate success. He couldn't have done it any other way. After winning the all-time record for medals, he also showed commendable humility and gratitude. These are qualities are I would aspire to for myself and for my kids. If this show of character is not good enough for Kelloggs, Kelloggs is not good enough for me. I hope that others who continue to admire Michael Phelps’ strength and commitment will boycott Kelloggs, and drop them a line stating your intentions. Conversely, Speedo and Omega have chosen to stand by Phelps, so they deserve our support. One picture does not define a man's character. We watched him for weeks as he proved his mettle. It's simply another argument for legalizing marijuana, when a man's exceptional achievements are overshadowed by one image that is, at this time in history, offensive to only a few. If you're a parent, and Phelps’ association with pot is disturbing, talk to your kids about your concerns, as should we all. But we must tell them at the same time that Michael Phelps has proven himself to be of imitable character in all other aspects of public life.
posted by JohnUSA on Feb 07, 2009
Dang -- and I was looking forward to getting my free "toy" bong surprise in Kelloggs cereal. I guess we can still get a "lift" from NIKE sponsor -- a little help from your friends!!
posted by Ty on Feb 06, 2009
What a bunch of cowards.
posted by chuck on Feb 06, 2009
it is time to boycott kelloggs
posted by B from MN on Feb 06, 2009
Nicely said "Ang from GA"! I usually don't read these kinds of things, but I do agree with pretty much everything you just said!
posted by Lil on Feb 06, 2009
Boycott Kellogg!!!
posted by Ang from Ga on Feb 06, 2009
I'm sorry but this is ridiculous!! Dude smoked from a bong....he wasn't shooting up or anything. And honestly, how many people haven't ever tried marijuana? It grows out of the ground, so people need to just chill out. Lets see...people get drunk and can go crazy, cause fights, cause wrecks, black-out. Or they can drink a little and 'get the edge off'. What happens if you smoke too much?? You'll just pass out. You don't want to go out in your car and drive or try to fight anyone; or run over a little kid like the advertisements say..thats crazy! If anything you'll get extremely happy or you'll cry for some retarded reason... You sure as heck won't try to go kill anyone!!! Didn't Micheal Phelps win more gold medals than anyone in the Olympics?? Maybe the pot gave him an extra boost....because you know its such an enhancing drug, like steroids. Geezz people, get a life. Our country is going down the drain and we're focused on a guy who went to a party?? What about the unemployment rate being so high...or the millions of kids without insurance b/c their parents can't afford it. And don't get me started on gay marriage...who cares if they want to get married...more power to ya! This country has to get it's priorities straight quick. I really hope Obama can do something for this country. He inherited it in such a mess and already is telling people like it is....That's what we need! And how he wants to talk to the US people through the web, not going through the media...amazing. Wow, I could go on for hours about all this... Screw Kellogg's.....I won't buy any of their items again. And I urge you all to voice your opinion too...this world wide web can be used for good and I think it's about time that the American people stood up and said what was on their mind....not the richest people in American! So.....sorry this turned out kinda long but it just really ticked me off.

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