While His Son Won 8 Golds, Michael Phelps' Father Watched From Home

So true. Michael's Mom deserves the credit for being the parent behind her son all these years.

Why should Michael call his dad? When was the last time his dad called him?

Not knowing the stuation, I don't think that anyone is in a position to comment other than those involved. There are always 3 sides to a divorce. His, hers and the truth. That being said, this is all truly about Michael Phelps and his family relationships should remain private and not be showboated. He should be allowed to enjoy his amazing accomplishments and not have to be reminded of difficult times during what should be such a joyous moment.

I think this is a personal matter and the MEDIA or rest of us have not business discussing. Obviously the father has not been involved and why would anyone want to push them into a realationship NOW is beyond me. This is their business and not for public opinion.

Absolutely true. He had no time then so he should have none of Michael's now.

I fully agree with you. It really disgusts me when absentee parents hop back into the picture when their biological children do something note worthy. It is extremely sad for the children when the parents take out their problems with their ex's on them. Hurray for Michael's mother and sisters. They were the highlight of the Olympics for me. Sitting in my livingroom watching history unfold as a single mom roots her son on. Well done Mom and Michael!

I think it's sad that some sad and imbittered news crew felt the need to track down this man for nothing more than to get their own "air time". Whatever the reason for thie estrangement, it's no one else's business. That seems to be but one of the many problems with our society today...no one knows how to mind their own business. tell me again how Fred Phelps is news-worthy...

This is another prime example of the press invading family privacy. Sadly, it seems to spur the media to see what they can dig up. There seems to be a common perverse behavior exhibited by media when there's nothing juicy or racy to enhance their story.
For once, just focus on the parent who cared and provided for them. There are 1000's of single moms out there who have done it by themselves without financial help because they put their children first and did whatever it took.
I know.....I was one. Best wishes to the Phelps family.

Phelps' father deserves nothing. He abandoned Michael, leaving him to coup with all that that entails for a child. Biology doesn't deserve thanks. Shirking responsibilty deserves rebuke.

I wondered where his father was. His mother does deserve all the credit along with his sisters. This is really none of our business. Michael, his mother and two sisters took the high road and didn't mention his father. They have a lot of class.

not my business

Many times a dad is not welcome around after a divorce. It may have been this time also. We should not assume that he just abandonded Michael. His mother did do a lot to help Michael. If one has not been through a nasty divorce, then one should not always assume the dad is a deadbeat. Some times there is a thing called parental alienaton. I hope that this was not the case here and have nothing that says it was. I just did not assume.

Been there done that. I agree totally

Why would Michael Phelps want Fred Phelps in his life. Please remember Fred left his family after having MULTIPLE affairs, then decides he wants back in, wants to make it work, Debbie takes him back, then he turns around and has more affairs. Way to go for Debbie for finally kicking his ass out. Wasn't in Michael's life at all but low and behold he shows up before Athens wanting one of the two tickets that the USOC gives to its athletes, should who shows up but Fred. Fred wants a ticket, Michael says it's going to his sister, Michael and Fred get into it and he hasn't spoken to his Dad since. Good on you Michael!

100% with your feelings, when i read that comment i thought the same!

I have been divorced for 6 years. My daughter is 13 and lives 2 miles from me. I em her and leave messages and recently found out from my oldest son that her mother deletes them. I see her about 2 times per year and tire of going to court for visitation. My ex always has a new lawyer or job or some excuse why it can not happen. I have never miss a child support payment but I tire of all of the BS. My point is that you need to know the whole story before a judgement is made especially if you are forming an opinion base on the meda of these days.

The father of one of the most outstanding athletes is just another one of the usual in a long list of fathers that ignore their family after leaving them. He is a good for nothing piece of trash.
I give his mother alot of credit...She shows that the her son can do without the excuse making less than human being, and I bet dead beat father.

Michael's father is a complete douchebag! Being a PARENT means putting your kids FIRST always! The selfish bastard left him when he was 9 and made no effort to be a parent. What an ass!
Kudo's to Michael's mom and all the women in the world just like her that have had to be Mom, Dad, Coach, Teacher, Nurse, Home maker, and psychologist all in one! God bless you all!
Props to Michael and others like him that could have used excuses for failure, and despite the obstacles, strived for success! I hope the next generation finds more kids grow up to be like him.

Let's not be so quick to judge since we do not know all the details. There is one thing that no one can take away--Michael has a father. Michael's mom said during a recent interview that there will be a time and a private place when Michael will see his father, so what's the big fuzz? This story should be about Michael and not about his father.