CHARGES AGAINST PHELPS DROPPED BY LOCAL SHERIFF

Lott claims lack of evidence as primary reason for revoking
allegation against worldwide sensation

Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott has decided not to pursue
possession of marijuana charges against 14-time Olympic gold medalist
Michael Phelps after the swimmer was shown in a photo smoking from a
bong in Columbia last November.

Lott said his department lacked the physical evidence necessary to
charge Phelps, despite the overwhelming proof that the incident occurred.

"We had a photo and him saying he was sorry for inappropriate
behavior. He never said, 'I smoked marijuana.' We didn't have
physical evidence," Lott said.

The photo, which was taken at a house party on Blossom Street
following the South Carolina-Arkansas football game on Nov. 7, was
originally released by London's tabloid paper News of the World on Feb. 1.

Phelps immediately issued a statement of apology following the
release of the story.

Richland County law enforcement officers located what was believed to
be the bong used by the swimmer in a car Feb. 4.

Despite all of that evidence, no charges could be filed, as Phelps
was not actually caught in the act of committing a crime.

However, Lott defended his original intention of charging Phelps, had
enough evidence been located.

"By ignoring the November incident, I would have been sending a
message of tolerance and condoning the use of illegal drugs," Lott
said. "I could not do that, nor have I ever done that."

Lott said iconic heroes and celebrities such as Phelps are held to
the same standard that ordinary citizens are when it comes to obeying the law.

"Michael Phelps is truly an American hero ... but even with his star
status, he is still obligated to obey the laws of our state," he said.

Despite Phelps being let off the hook, several others who attended
the party were not so lucky, as seven people involved in the incident
have been arrested throughout the investigation. An additional person
was arrested for driving under suspension.

Lott said the seven would still face a charge of simple possession of
marijuana.

The charge carries a maximum penalty of 30 days in jail or a $575 fine.

Phelps said he was relieved that the November incident seemed to
finally be in the past.

"I'm glad this matter is put to rest," Phelps said in a statement
released Monday. "But there are also some important lessons that I've
learned. For me, it's all about recognizing that I used bad judgment
and it's a mistake I won't make again."

In the end, Lott and Phelps agreed that while no charges would be
sought, it was important to send out a message about the dangers of drug use.

The opportunity to enforce that message through the eyes of such a
widely respected teen idol as Phelps could not be passed by.

"How can we teach our kids through D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance
Education) not to use drugs and then look the other way if it's an
important person?" Lott questioned. "Our message has to be loud,
clear and consistent: don't do drugs."

"Michael Phelps and I agreed that something positive needs to come
from this incident, and that is a message of not to use drugs."

Phelps echoed those sentiments in his news release.

"For young people especially - be careful about the decisions you
make. One bad decision can really hurt you and the people you care
about," Phelps said.

- - The Associated Press contributed to this report.