Bowman, sponsors and supporting groups.

Sponsors:
PowerBar, Visa and other sponsors have come to Michael Phelps' defence.

2 veteran Maryland lawyers will be representing Michael Phelps on the drunken- driving charges.

"We should not forget that this 19-year-old young man has always conducted himself in an exemplary manner. He is dealing with this situation in the same responsible way in which he has always lived his life."

PowerBar spokeswoman Vanessa Wagar said she expects Phelps to continue as one of the company's sponsored athletes.

"Part of athletic sponsorship is celebrating highs with athletes as well as working through their difficult times."

Visa issued a statement saying that Phelps, who has apologized for his behavior, has represented the company and the country "with great honor and dignity."

Phelps' sponsorship agreement with AT&T Wireless, is ending this year. The contract, like all other marketing contracts for AT&T and Cingular, will be evaluated as part of the changing company.

Phelps' other endorsements include Speedo and Omega watches.

Supporting groups:
Evan McElroy, spokesman for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, issued a statement saying that the organization knows Phelps takes his "role model status" seriously.
"Boys & Girls Clubs are in the business of helping young people learn from their mistakes, accept responsibility and consequences, and ultimately become better people."

The Maryland Center for Character Education, where Michael Phelps is part of this newly formed advisory board this month, will keep him on the panel, said retired Baltimore Circuit Judge John Carroll Byrnes, the center's chairman.

Phelps' character has not changed, and his statements accepting responsibility were "in keeping with his good character."

Earlier this month, the center issued a news release singling out Phelps for praise.
"Michael Phelps is a strong role model for young citizens who can see his life of dedication to his sport, and in his personal conduct of civility, honesty and humility a personal philosophy that has brought him both world wide success and world wide respect."

The organization's Web site, however, includes a version of the news release without mentioning Phelps. His name is not listed as an advisory board member. His mother, Debbie Phelps, is listed.

More of Bowman's reaction:
"At first, I was kind of angry. I wanted to make sure he was OK. Then I got really angry. He had everything going for him. Such a lapse in judgment. I'm sorry for everyone who supported him, which is everyone. He let himself down; he let us all down."

"To the best of my knowledge, this is an isolated incident. Clearly there's a price to be paid legally. I would hope that he's going to use this and turn it into a positive so that other people can learn from his mistakes. My great hope is that he can be a stronger person and a better person and get back on track to do the things he's born to do."

"It's so out of character, that's what's so sad about it. The Michael you saw in Athens was the real Michael. That was no act. That's Michael."

Phelps visited Ann Arbor last weekend to see a Michigan football game, and he told Bowman he was "tired of not having a routine."