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Kellogg to drop Phelps over pot smoking photo

(Agencies)
Updated: 2009-02-06 09:35

PORTLAND, Ore. – Cereal and snack maker Kellogg Co. says it will not renew its sponsorhip contract with Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps because he has acknowledged smoking marijuana last fall.

Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps takes a break while training at the Meadowbrook Aquatic Center, Thursday, Feb. 5, 2009, in Baltimore. [Agencies]

Related readings:  FINA throws its support behind Phelps  Phelps: 'I have to live with fallout from photo'  Phelps might face criminal charge after pipe photo  Marijuana pipe picture could still burn Phelps: analyst

The Battle Creek, Mich.-based company said Thursday that Phelps's behavior - caught on camera and published Sunday - is "not consistent with the image of Kellogg."

The company put Phelps on boxes of its Frosted Flakes and Corn Flakes.

Phelps has kept the backing of many sponsors since the photos surfaced that showed him inhaling from a marijuana pipe.

Phelps's agent was not immediately available to comment.

Kellogg says its contract with Phelps expires at the end of the month.