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COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. -- Whether you're a swim fan or not, you can't help but have an opinion on the recent hot water Olympic champion Michael Phelps finds himself in.

The 23-year-old Phelps was photographed at a college party in South Carolina smoking what appeared to be marijuana from a bong. He has acknowledged his mistake and apologized.

USA swimming has suspended Phelps for 3 months, and Kelloggs, a major sponsor for the olympian has dropped their endorsement deal. Phelps also pleaded guilty and apologized after a DUI arrest in 2004. "It's something that USA swimming came up with and it's fair. Obviously for a mistake you should get punished -- and they went and did that," says Phelps.

Now in the wake of his pot smoking photo, the USOC claims in a statement that they are disappointed, and they are confident Phelps will set the example of a great champion.

So role model or not, local Springs residents have different views on the "Phelps lifestyle."

"When we make mistakes, you gotta be responsible for them which means you have to pay whatever consequence's coming. It's all part of life," says swimming fan Mike St. Marie. But, different strokes for different folks. "I think there's still some valor to the work that he's already done based on the fact that it was pot and not steroids," claims Phelps lifestyle supporter Monica Arrieta. "This isn't something he was doing professionally. It's something he was doing in his off time -- off season. He already won the gold medals, let the guy rest, you know."

And the debate goes on about Phelps' role model appeal.

"My wife and I have talked about it. She's disappointed for my oldest boy's sake," continued St. Marie. "Absolutely he's a role model."

So what can phelps teach you?

"Teach me how to swim because old women are crushing me in this pool," joked St. Marie.

Phelps' coach hopes he'll be in shape and ready for the National Championships this July.