Mr. Phelps

(We're VERY EXCITED about taking Jack to the Austin Grand Prix at TU in March to see all of his favs, including Mr. MP. In light of recent events, I'm glad he'll be able to see all of his favs swimming up close and in person.)
Well, MP, you've let us down. Luckily, we have big hearts and are willing to forgive you and hope that you do better in the future. MP, we've always (and still do) admired your swimming. Your status of role model has always paled in comparison to our REAL role models (PDad, PPop, and lots of aunts/uncles, cousins, and friends.) So, while we've not always looked to you as our role model, still, it's sad, no doubt, and a very loyal fan cried tonight when he heard your sad news, and then he prayed for you at bedtime....that you would "make better choices." I'd like to think, MP, that you taught your fan a lesson without really knowing it.
I'm happy to report that when Jack learned of Michael P's bad judgement, while upset, he was pretty adamant about the fact that there were so many swimmers who didn't make bad choices, but that he was hoping that MP would not make a bad choice again. Jack admires so many different swimmers and is a fan of a dozen or so...most of which I only vaguely know the names, but he can tell you their favorite stroke, their hometown, their fastest time at the Olympics, and who they beat to win. All in all, he took the news pretty well, but I hope that he is able see Michael P. learn a lesson from this.