What Just Happened? Do I Like Michael Phelps Again?

This. Is. EVERYTHING. #Pac12Hoops #Pac12AfterDark https://t.co/fiCmcZBoGD

— Pac-12 Networks (@Pac12Networks) January 29, 2016

Hey, the guy's reputation took quite the hit when we all found out he was dating a transgendered lunatic, but I think he just willed himself back into my good graces. Not only because he's embracing all the athletics of the university that he works for, or because he actually seemed likable in this video, or because he was able to distract the opposition into missing two free throws. I think the main reason I just regained my respect for Michael Phelps is because he managed to find a way to wear all his medals in public at once and not look like a complete douche in the process. Think about it. We have seen Michael Phelps perform, what, like three, maybe four times? The guy dominated an Olympic sport for an extended period and -strictly because of a lack of face time- doesn't get talked about nearly as much as he should. A basketball player wins one championship and there are at least 82 regular season broadcasts praising him the next season. Michael Phelps has won 15 gold medals and he probably hasn't even graced my television screen 15 times. It just doesn't seem fair. 

Call me petty, but if I were Michael Phelps all I would really want to do is rock my gold all day-every day and remind people just how accomplished I am. The only problem is that it's damn near impossible to do so without coming off as incredibly superficial. Michael Phelps somehow made it happen AND came away from it looking like an engaging, charismatic dude. There's not many times in life when a person can flash all of their achievements -and a vast majority of their sculpted physique- in everyone's face and actually gain admirers. Michael Phelps took advantage of one of those opportunities, and I am sure he'll be glad to know that he now has a fan in me.

P.S. Full disclosure, not totally certain my opinion on this over-the-top 'distraction curtain' technique wouldn't completely flip if they had made the free throws.