20913 For Michael Phelps, timing is everything. One hundredths of a second are the difference between medal winning Olympian and global icon. According to his marketing agent, Phelps could earn upwards of one hundred million over his lifetime. Yet, in mere seconds Phelps nearly undid it all. For the second time in his career, Phelps did not take an extra second to think about his actions. In 2004, an underage Phelps was arrested for driving while intoxicated. Now a picture has surfaced reportedly showing Phelps inhaling from a marijuana pipe. Phelps again issued an apology. The IOC has accepted it. His biggest sponsors are staying with him too. Apparently, Phelps is part fish and part Teflon. Nothing sticks to this hero. But I hope there's a three strike policy. Phelps is not an average 23 year old. In his apology he expressed that he is still young. Yes, that is true but it's not a solid defense. The average young 23 year old is a year out of college and facing a grim economy. The average 23 year old is hoping to land a job and hold on to it. Phelps is a multi-millionaire and, by comparison, has not a care in the world. Phelps cannot enjoy the spoils that come with being exceptional without accepting the responsibility also. *Hurry Up and Wait* It's the business I'm in and it makes me crazy. Hurry up and wait for the news as two of the most gifted puppeteers are working the strings. What will happen first? Brett Favre retires or Tiger Woods returns? As one season ends and another tees-off, I wonder. I'd like to see Favre retire at this point. He's physically breaking down and wearing down those around him, namely his teammates. It's time to go. As for Woods, golf breaks down without him. It falls from the front page to buried pages reserved for tennis, F1, horse racing. Through his web site this week, Woods announced that he is practicing full bore and has no restrictions. Now imagine the story if Woods returns to the Tour for the Masters? He hasn't been seen on a course since June 16th. He's had reconstructive knee surgery since then. Yet, he's already the odds on favorite to win the Masters. Might I suggest that Favre retire the week Tiger returns. It would allow him to sneak away with little noise. Or Favre could retire during his visit to Disney World for ESPN The Weekend. Doesn't every player want to say I'm going to Disney World and walk off into the sunset? ( Sorry, championship not included in the gift bag.) true 2009-02-05T14:13:41Z 78765 1 2009-02-05T14:13:41Z