Ever since I first read about this, there has been one question on my mind: Exactly how much weight does a potential Michael Phelps boycott of International events really hold?

Before anyone jumps down my throat, let me explain why I would ask such a question…

Here are Bob’s words:

“That would be my recommendation to him, not to swim internationally. The mess needs to be stopped right now. It can’t go any further.”

Ok, but I’m still a little confused. Does he mean that he won’t swim in any international meets until the ban starts (April/May 2010) or any international meets until FINA deals with all the WRs being set in the super suits? Because it makes a difference.

First of all, Mike probably wouldn’t have done anything international before May anyway. He doesn’t do the World Cup Circuit and he doesn’t really concentrate much on the SC season enough to want to qualify and compete at their World Championships in Dubai. Those are in December 2010 anyway.

So, the next international FINA meet MP would possibly swim in would be Pan Pacs, held in Irvine, CA next August.

So really, what does Bob’s threat mean? From the looks of it, Mike wouldn’t have been doing an international meet before the ban went into effect anyway. I don’t see what he’d be missing. That is, unless this year was the year he was planning to fully commit to doing the World Cup Circuit. I guess that’s a possibility.

But if Bob was referring to not swimming internationally until the rewriting of the record books is dealt with, that could be a significantly longer boycott. I’m pretty sure this isn’t what he’s talking about, but on the off-chance that it is, I thought I’d put it out there. He wants immediate action and probably isn’t going to get it.

So, as you can see I’m quite confused. Anyone care to drop some knowledge on the situation? It’d be greatly appreciated!

After the B.S. with that triflin’ Philly Country Club kicking out those young minority campers a couple of weeks ago, Tyler Perry has come to the rescue with a gesture that truly makes me smile.

Tyler Perry is paying for 65 children from a Philadelphia day camp to go to Walt Disney World after reading about allegations that a suburban swim club had shunned them because of racism.

The black and Hispanic children who attend the day camp run by Creative Steps Inc. cheered Monday when they learned about the actor’s gift.

Creative Steps director Alethea Wright says she’s thrilled about the offer, especially because Perry “comes from humble beginnings” like the children in her camp.

I don’t give a damn what the Valley Club says the reason is for their actions and contradictory statements. First, it was “There was concern that a lot of kids would change the complexion … and the atmosphere of the club” and later — after public outrage — it became “a safety issue”. They tried to get the campers to come back, but they respectfully declined. The situation just makes me SMH. Karma is a mofo, so what goes around, comes around.

Anyone who knows me knows I love me some Shaquille O’Neal. And if you aren’t following him on Twitter, you’re missing out!

Shaq is always good for entertainment. There is absolutely no disputing that. To further his case, he will begin filming on a new reality TV project titled “Shaq Vs.” this week. The show will feature Shaq challenging other elite athletes to competition in their respective sports.

Each episode is to include preliminary challenges, banter from news conferences, interaction with needy kids, and O’Neal and his rival negotiating a handicap. The laughs come from “trash talking,” but “when it comes to competing, there is no joking,” O’Neal says.

Athletes confirmed to tape episodes are Ben Roethlisberger (football), Oscar De La Hoya (boxing), Albert Pujols (baseball), Serena Williams (tennis), Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh (beach volleyball), and swimming’s own Michael Phelps.

I’m already laughing at the thought of seeing The Big Shaqtus in a LZR Racer! It will definitely bring the LOLZ!

The series debut airs August 18th at 9 PM (ET/PT) on ABC. I can’t wait!

Swimmer-style, yo!

Dara Torres on the Red Carpet look like the BAMF she is

With her “Comeback of the Year” award

It’s Cullen Jones, bitch!
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I’m so tired of the suit wars. I wanna go back to the olden days where, when I’m shooting swimmers at a meet, I don’t feel like I’m capturing stills from a porno.

These days… as evidenced by the following swatch of suits from Summer Nationals in Irvine 2006.

Good times. Good times…

You know, back when the swimmers could show their personality in the suits color and it was cool. There was more than black, baby shit brown, and offensive (and see-through) red, blue, and gold apparel.

So, if someone can fix the situation and bring back this era, I’d be greatly appreciative. kthanxbai.

I know you guys are totally wondering WTF is going on around here. Am I right?

Well, I know I’ve got a lot of ’splainin to do because I’ve been to 2 meets in the past month, and I’ve hardly even mentioned it here.

So, you’re probably wondering where your “Tales From The Deck” posts and other gossip tidbits are, right? Well, this time around, I have failed you and I’m well aware of it. I do intend to post my thoughts on both Santa Clara and World Champ Trials. Just not now!

I’ve been so busy with trying to provide some degree of live coverage on Swim Stars Live, visit with old friends I only see once a year, and trying to get some sleep that there really just wasn’t enough time each day for gossip sessions! This was intensified in Indy because I was working by myself on the event coverage. It’s tough to be photographer, writer, and live Tweeter at the same time!

So, I’m working on a few posts for the blog. Highlights/lowlights, photo favorites, best races, and other thoughts are on the way.

So keep your panties on!