Treading Water

Phelps Sees First Real Fallout From Photo

Michael Phelps' long week became substantially worse Thursday, as he suffers the first tangible fallout from his appearance in the British tabloids. USA Swimming publicly reprimands the swimmer, suspending him from competition for the next three months. Some see the penalty as merely a symbolic slap on the wrist, but the CHICAGO TRIBUNE'S Philip Hersh writes it is a "telling rap on the knuckles from the federation that had wallowed in his Beijing glory." Perhaps equally noteworthy, at least for Phelps' bank account, is news that Kellogg Co. will not renew their partnership when it expires this month. The company, which months earlier plastered Phelps' face onto cereal boxes, is the first sponsor to sever ties with the swimmer. However, another partner worth keeping eyes on is Subway, which signed Phelps after his record-breaking performance last summer -- the chain has yet to issue a statement of any significance regarding the future of the relationship.

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