Michael Phelps Acknowledges Bong Photo

Michael Phelps is in the forefront of the media again, but this time no longer being held up in a pedestal. The British tabloid News of the World published a photo of the Olympic star using a bong.

The tabloid newspaper published an article on Phelps' out of control partying as described by nameless sources who were with the swimmer during his visit to the University of South Carolina in Columbia last November.

Sources described Phelps as "loud, obnoxious and slamming beers from the get go." According to the sources, when he was offered the bong, he quickly took it and "looked just as natural with a bong in his hands as he does swimming in a pool," alluding to the fact that that may have not been his first time using a bong.

The Insider reports that Phelps acknowledged his "regrettable" behavior in a statement and "conceded" the photo's authenticity.

"I engaged in behavior which was regrettable and demonstrated bad judgment. I'm 23 years old and despite the successes I've had in the pool, I acted in a youthful and inappropriate way, not in a manner people have come to expect from me. For this I am sorry. I promise my fans and the public it will not happen again."

The Los Angeles Times reports that it is unlikely that this will affect his swimming eligibility as much as his image. His coach Bob Bowman said he is sure Phelps will learn from this experience.

The LA Times also quotes the United States Olympic Committee as saying they are "disappointed" in his behavior but confident he will set the example expected from him as an Olympic champion in the future.