By Anthony Caruso III | Publisher
According to USA Today Sports Columnist Christine Brennan, Michael Phelps — who was the Olympic flag bearer for the United States of America — has officially left the Olympic ceremony. Phelps is the first athlete for the USA to ever pull this stunt.
However, there was speculation earlier that this may happen. While it may have been expected, it’s still uncalled for – as it was a disrespectful move by him.
Sure, he’s the most decorated athlete — but he’s also had several DUI arrests and the USA Olympic Committee could have done a better job of picking a person, who would have stayed and deserved it more.
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The 31-year-old was even suspended by USA Swimming from all competitions for six months following his September 2014 arrest for DUI and speeding in Baltimore, Maryland. A decade earlier, at 19 years old, he was arrested for DUI in Salisbury, Maryland and when asked about it on The Today Show, he said, “(I) let a lot of people in the country down.”
According to Brennan, the US Men’s Basketball “Dream Team” in 1992 at Barcelona left early — but they didn’t carry the flag when they left. She also says, “It’s not unprecedented for other high-profile athletes who were not carrying the flag to leave the opening ceremony early.”
Phelps, who may be appearing in his final Olympic games, is the most decorated Olympian of all time with 22 medals.
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This is his fourth Olympic games in his career and he is not expected to compete in an event until August 8th at 12:44 pm EST.
That’s when he’ll be in Heat 3 of the Men’s 200M Butterfly. Two days later, he’ll be in Heat 4 of the Men’s 200m Individual Medley.
Hard to see but that's Michael Phelps leaving the opening ceremony. First time ever for a US flag bearer. #outtahere pic.twitter.com/ig0rz6HOJm
— Christine Brennan (@cbrennansports) August 6, 2016
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