Phelps Records Video Apology At Request Of Sponsor Mazda

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U.S. Gold Medal-winning swimmer Michael Phelps at the request of Mazda has "recorded a video apology to the people of China, expressing his remorse over the recently published photograph showing him using a marijuana" bong, according to Lynn Zinser of the N.Y. TIMES. Mazda last month signed Phelps to an endorsement deal believed to be worth more than $1M. The 52-second video "has been posted on several Web sites in China," and a Chinese newspaper said the video "had been sent directly" from Mazda. Phelps in the video "never specifically addresses what the picture captured," and Mazda has issued a statement saying that it will "continue its sponsorship of Phelps" (N.Y. TIMES, 2/14). Helios Partners China President Chris Renner said Phelps' video apology "shows the importance of [Phelps] maintaining good relationships with his sponsors." Renner: "Mazda just signed him up and the timing couldn't be worse for them. They haven't completed the ads yet" (BLOOMBERG NEWS, 2/12).