I think two members of the 2012 Australian Olympic swim team are in for possible trouble that could result in losing their berths on the Australian team. Nick D'Arcy and Kenrick Monk smilingly posed for photos that were later posted on Facebook, each athlete brandishing two guns in his hands. It happened very recently when they were in a gun shop during a visit to the U.S., and they obviously didn't consider the consequences of their actions, although they did nothing illegal.
U.S. Swim Star Michael Phelps' Faux Pas
There have been similar previous situations involving Olympians. There was a controversy when U.S. Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps was shown on social media sites smoking what was obviously a marijuana bong. The acclaimed winner of 12 Gold Medals in the past two Olympics didn't get into legal trouble. There was no action against Phelps by legal authorities, nor any official Olympic nor U.S. sports organizations. Phelps hasn't been in trouble since, and has qualified for the upcoming London Summer Olympics as a member of the American team.
D'Arcy and Monk Expose Ignorance
Now Nick D'Arcy and Kenrick Monk of the Olympics-bound Australian Olympic swimming team may be in similar hot water with their blatant gun-toting, on-camera braggadocio. The photos are also especially controversial in Australia, as there was a horrible massacre, known as the Port Arthur Massacre where 35 people were killed at a tourist site by a lunatic, using some of the same guns pictured with the Olympians.
Other Troubling Offenses
Another factor concerning all three of the swimmers is troubling. They've had previous legal problems. Phelps was arrested in 2004 for driving under the influence. D'Arcy qualified for, but was kicked off the 2008 Aussie Olympic team for seriously injuring a man in a bar fight. Last year, Monk was accused of falsely telling Australian police he was struck in a hit-and-run case. He said the driver had hit him deliberately, and it resulted in the fracture of his elbow. He later confessed he had hurt himself when he fell off a skateboard.
Will There Be Action?
The International and Australian Olympic Committees are currently pondering options. None of the self-inflicted troubles by the Olympic swimmers are considered serious crimes. However, will authorities totally ignore the offenses or give the Aussie swimmers a slap on the wrist, and send them on their way to compete in the London Olympics? After learning of both D'Arcy's and Monk's past criminal history, I would suggest they be banned from the Olympic team for those actions, not for legally holding up guns.
Olympic and sports fan Freddy Sherman grew up in Philadelphia and went to school with two Olympic medal winners, Kim Gallagher and David Wharton. Watching their skill and determination inspired him. You can follow Freddy on Twitter: @thefredsherman.
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