Pubdate: Fri, 6 Feb 2009
Source: Wall Street Journal (US)
Copyright: 2009 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.
Contact:  http://www.wsj.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/487
Author: Suzanne Vranica and Matthew Futterman
Cited: USA Swimming http://drugsense.org/url/vPfgdwX9
Cited: Kellogg http://www2.kelloggs.com/ContactUs.aspx
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/people/Michael+Phelps
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?420 (Marijuana - Popular)

PHELPS LOSES ENDORSEMENT PACT, FACES SUSPENSION OVER PHOTOS

Kellogg Co. is severing its relationship with Michael Phelps after 
the Olympian was photographed smoking marijuana.

In addition, USA Swimming, the sport's governing body, took the 
unusual step of suspending Mr. Phelps for three months, not because 
he violated drug regulations, but because "he disappointed so many 
people," the federation said. He will not be able to compete until 
May. The world championship competition takes place in Rome in July.

USA Swimming suspended Michael Phelps for three months, not because 
he violated drug regulations, but because "he disappointed so many 
people," the federation said.

The Battle Creek, Mich., packaged-food company, whose brands include 
Frosted Flakes, Rice Krispies and Pop-Tarts, said Thursday it 
wouldn't continue its endorsement contract with the gold medalist, 
which comes up for renewal at the end of the month.

In September, the company unveiled a special-edition line of 
packaging featuring the champion swimmer. His image appeared on 
Kellogg's Frosted Flakes cereal, Kellogg's Corn Flakes cereal, Club 
Crackers and Kellogg's Rice Krispies Treats Marshmallow Squares.

"We originally built the relationship with Michael, as well as the 
other Olympic athletes, to support our association with the U.S. 
Olympic team," a Kellogg spokeswoman said in a statement. "Michael's 
most recent behavior is not consistent with the image of Kellogg."

Mr. Phelps couldn't be reached to comment. "Michael accepts these 
decisions and understands their point of view. He feels bad he let 
anyone down," said Drew Johnson, spokesman for Mr. Phelps's agent, 
Octagon, a unit of Interpublic Group. "He's also encouraged by the 
thousands of comments he's received from his fans and the support 
from his many sponsors. He intends to work hard to regain everyone's trust."

The swimmer was caught up in a firestorm of bad publicity Sunday when 
the photos of him appeared in a British tabloid.

AdAge.com reported the Kellogg news. Kellogg, which markets heavily 
to children, is the first marketer to drop the athlete. Many others, 
such as watch maker Omega, owned by Swatch Group AG, have expressed 
support for Mr. Phelps 
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake