Bong Hits and Water Bottles: An Analysis of News Coverage of Athletes and Marijuana Use

This paper examines how sports media framed marijuana incidences involving athletes Michael Phelps, Michael Vick, Josh Howard, and Brad Miller. The analysis finds that Phelps’ actions were generally downplayed, as his youth, his Olympic success, and the perceived irrationality of marijuana laws were frequently used as excuses not afforded to his athletic peers. It concludes that race does affect how media cover athletes and that onfield success can affect how media frame stories involving athletes.