Say it ain’t so Joe! 

After a photo in a British newspaper published a photo depicting Olympic superstar Michael Phelps smoking a marijuana pipe, Mr. Phelps admitted that that photo was authentic and that he "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.”

Don’t worry Olympic historians this small incident shouldn’t threaten the record breaking feat of eight gold medals in a single Olympic Games.  The photo was taken three months after the Olympics and he has never tested positive for banned substances.

"Michael is a role model, and he is well aware of the responsibilities and accountability that come with setting a positive example for others, particularly young people," the US Olympic Committee said in a statement. "In this instance, regrettably, he failed to fulfill those responsibilities."

Unfortunately, Phelps is no stranger to breaking the law.  In 2004 he was arrested for drunk driving at the tender age of 19.  He pleaded guilty and offered an apology for the mistake.

Jason Lezak, whose remarkable anchor leg of the 400-meter freestyle relay helped Phelps stay on course to break the record, said "while I don't condone his conduct, I am a teammate and fan and unlike many fair-weather people, I am sticking by him. If my wife and I can help him in any way, we will. I believe he will grow from this and be better person, role model and teammate."

Jason will stand by you Michael, but how about the rest of the world now that you are a role model to many children?