Why did Phelps toss the American flag onto the ground?

Question

after winning the gold. i think the seventh. someone toss him a flag and he picked it up then tossed it back onto the ground. didn't wear it over his back like the others.

Answer 1

Because He's a TOSSER and his drugs are wearing off.

Answer 2

I believe it's some superstitious thing. You're not supposed to let the flag fall to the ground or something. And I guess it's bad luck to wave a dropped flag. I'm not totally sure

Answer 3

He was excited and stuck in the moment of winning another metal and didn't realize it?

Answer 4

Phelps should have picked it up because he was under the misconception that once a flag hits the ground it is no longer suitable to be displayed.  

"The flag should never touch anything beneath it, such as the ground, the floor, water, or merchandise."..."The proper course of action in such a case is simply to adjust the flag, or the item(s) below it, so that they are no longer touching"

"what happened was that a USA fan tried to throw a flag down from the stands.

"the flag fell short, out-of-reach for even Phelps' long arms.

"a photographer was trying to be helpful and hand it to him.

"phelps demurred, saying, "i'm sorry. the flag touched the ground -- i can't take it".

"it all happened right in front of me."

Answer 5

he probably wasnt thinking but if it WAS a big to do then it would be on the news if it isnt already

Answer 6

That doesn't matter

Answer 7

he's a scumbag

Answer 8

That was a huge moment for him. I don't think he meant it in a bad way.

Answer 9

because he didnt have a lighter to burn it, the floor was the next best thing i guess

Answer 10

Have not heard a word about this, why not list your source...

Answer 11

he tossed it on the ground? i thought it looked like he tried to reach out & catch it but didn't catch it & he had to keep moving.

Answer 12

He probably had to go prepare for another race.

Answer 13

his golds metals were so heavy and he didnt wanna out those on the ground LMAO!

Answer 14

dude probably won the gold in Flag toss too

Answer 15

lol of course it doesnt matter because he won the golds for america right. answerer one is disgusting, one moment they accuse obama for not wearing an american pin and when phelps throwsthe flag down, "that doesn't matter"

Answer 16

i didn't see this but it doesn't really sound like something he'd do

Answer 17

It doesn't matter

Answer 18

appeared to me  he just turned it down

he DID have another event in about1/2 hour to prepare for

flag ettiquette does not allow wearing the flag

Answer 19

When?  What?  Where?

Answer 20

I'm pretty sure he was just overwhelmed with excitement, which is understandable considering his dream was coming true.  

Answer 21

Maybe he's not proud! :P

Or maybe it was dirty!