Outside Reading: Facing a difficulty

I read an article about Michael Phelps and his recent struggles while off track from his normal schedule. Phelps did extremely well in the 2008 Summer Olympics swimming for the U.S.A. However; as many might know, Phelps got caught smoking marijuana and now has to face the consequences. He is getting a lot of criticism from fans and sponsors and feel like he has let them down. But, the biggest difficulty he feels he has to face is the disappointment in himself. He knows it was a stupid thing to do and he guarantees that it will not happen again. On the other hand; as stated in the article, this is not the first time Phelps has struggled with substance abuse. Unfortunately after the Athens Olympics he was caught drinking while driving. When he is not on his swimming schedule he seems to not have any guide lines at all. His family and friends are supporting him and helping him carry out the right path for this extremely talented man. Phelps has learned who his true friends are during this hard time and I think that can be true during any difficult time. It seems the true friends are there for your benefit but the bad friends some how drift away from your side and are just another critic of your life. Everyone faces difficulty at some time or another, it is important to learn from those times and move on.
http://www.kare11.com/sports/sports_article.aspx?storyid=538721&catid=24