MICHAEL PHELPS - PHELPS EMBROILED IN DRUG PARAPHERNALIA SCANDAL

PHELPS EMBROILED IN DRUG PARAPHERNALIA SCANDAL

Olympic swimming star MICHAEL PHELPS has apologised for his "regrettable" behaviour after photographs surfaced of the athlete using a glass pipe associated with cannabis use. British newspaper the News of the World published a shot of the gold medal-winning athlete holding the pipe - more commonly referred to as a bong - to his lips at a party in South Carolina, Columbia that took place in November (08).
The publication alleges that Phelps was at a house visiting his secret girlfriend, student Jordan Matthews - and left partygoers shocked with his behaviour.
In a statement released on Sunday (01Feb09), Phelps says, "I engaged in behaviour which was regrettable and demonstrated bad judgment.
"I'm 23 years old, and despite the successes I have had in the pool, I acted in a youthful and inappropriate way, not in a manner that people have come to expect from me.
"For this, I am sorry. I promise my fans and the public, it will not happen again."
Phelps' representative Clifford Bloxham reportedly tried to broker a deal with the tabloid to stop the photographs being published - even offering the star's services as a columnist for the newspaper for the next few years.
Bloxham allegedly told the publication, "It's seeing if something potentially very negative for Michael could turn into something very positive for the News of the World."
This is not the first time that Phelps has found himself in the middle of controversy, having received an 18-month driving ban in 2004 for driving under the influence.
Representatives for Phelps could not be reached for comment as WENN went to press.