SWIMMING: ARRESTS AIMED AT MAKING DRUG CASE AGAINST PHELPS

Police in the South Carolina county where Michael Phelps was
photographed with a marijuana pipe have been arresting people as they
seek to make a case against the superstar swimmer, lawyers for two
arrested people said yesterday.

Attorneys Joseph McCulloch and Dick Harpootlian each represent a
client charged with possession of marijuana who were questioned about
the party Phelps attended near the University of South Carolina
campus in November.

The lawyers said the two clients lived at the house where the party
apparently took place, although they were not at the party.

The two have since moved and were arrested after police executed a
search warrant at their new home and accused them of having a small
amount of marijuana there.

"After they arrested him, they didn't ask him, 'Where did you get the
marijuana?' or 'Who sold it to you?' Almost all the questions they
asked him were about Michael Phelps," Harpootlian said. The lawyers
would not name their clients, who each face up to 30 days in jail and
a $200 fine if convicted on the pending charges.

The Richland County Sheriff's Office would not comment on the lawyers' remarks.

"As soon as we're ready to release information on this case we will
and we're still in the middle of this investigation," said Lieutenant
Chris Cowan.

Phelps, 23, has issued a public apology, acknowledging "regrettable"
behaviour and "bad judgment".

USA Swimming has suspended Phelps for three months and Kellogg has
cut ties with him, although other sponsors are sticking with the swimmer.

Under South Carolina law, possession of one ounce or less of
marijuana is a misdemeanour that carries a fine up to $200 and 30
days in jail for the first offence.

Possession of drug paraphernalia is a $500 fine.

- - AP