Michael Phelps In Hot Water Over Louis Vuitton Photoshoot
The 2012 Olympics are over and done with, but Michael Phelps always seems to make news after the games conclude. After the 2008 games, we all remember the infamous bong photos of Phelps, which were a big deal to some people considering he was the face of the USA for awhile. Now, Phelps could face some punishment for an advertisement with Louis Vuitton.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has a rule stating athletes cannot promote any non-Olympic sponsor from July 18th to August 15th. The advertisement was scheduled to be released on the 16th of August to avoid any complications, but somehow the photos were leaked. Here is a description of what rule 40 actually is:
”A competitor or a team may lose the benefit of any ranking obtained in relation to other events at the Olympic Games at which he or it was disqualified or excluded; in such case the medals and diplomas won by him or it shall be returned to the IOC.”
The punishment for such actions could be as small as a fine, or as large as the all-time Olympic king getting stripped of some of his medals. Seriously, Michael Phelps could lose medals over something so minute.
I doubt it would actually reach that level, but the idea of it seems pretty absurd as is. Phelps has stated several times that London would be the last time he could compete in the Olympics, so if he did lose some medals, he could possibly lose his record.
Note to self: Do not take a luxiourous photoshoot when competing in the Olympics.
Bryan is a featured writer for Rant Sports. Although he concentrates mostly on the game of baseball, you can find him covering things all over the Rant Sports Network.
