That just ticks me...

First, just because a guy is athletically gifted and successful I by no means expect him to be a paragon of virtue.

Having heard a little bit of what goes on in Olympic village just solidifies guys like Phelps or any of the 1000s of other athletes have ample opportunity to engage in irresponsible behavior.

That doesn't tick me.

The fact that Phelps calls smoking pot "acting in a youthful...way" ticks me.

Once again society has painted a picture of what 'generally youthful behavior' looks like.

Here are my angry bullet points...

*'Teenagers' are an invention of the 50s. Only in the last 50 years have we subdivided our children out to this limbo that winks at irresponsible behavior as a rite of passage.

*It is a wicked myth, generated by Satan no doubt,that the ages from 13-22 are years that can be given to irresponsible selfish behavior.

*If we are OK w/ teenagers spending teen years in the Phelp-ian behavior when do we train them to be adults? When are they expected to do the hard things? Answer: In their early to mid 20s. That is why there is a rise on 'prolonged adolescence' today.

*There is no doubt a learning curve that is inherent in the teen years. But the teen years should be a bridge to adulthood. But far too often they are viewed as an island to escape adulthood.

No Mr. Phelps you didn't act youthful. You were irresponsible. It isn't the same.

I also bet you are just sorry you got caught.