There’s been plenty of back and forth this week on Baltimore native Michael Phelps’ now infamous admission to smoking pot at a party in South Carolina. On the one hand, Phelps fans feel betrayed by the 23-year-old that they see as a role-model for kids across the U.S. On the other, some commentators have argued that we should just lighten up. He’s still young, after all. Via WTOP, the AP reports that the national swimming federation has taken a side and opted to suspend Phelps from competition for three months and pull his monthly stipend. Additionally, cereal maker Kellogg has dumped Phelps as a sponsor. Interestingly, the swimming federation didn’t take any similar actions after Phelps was caught driving under the influence before the 2004 Olympics, and it’s odd to see them act against an infraction that has nothing to do with his performance in competition. As for Kellogg’s, well, pot may well be healthier than eating Frosted Flakes every morning.

Metro Ponders Service Cuts: With a $154 million budget gap to contend with, it was bound to happen — Metro is considering scrapping it’s 3 a.m. late-night service on weekends. The Examiner reports that the move would be part of a package of service cuts, including stopping weeknight service at 10 p.m., shutting certain entrances and exits to Metro stations and stopping buses from operating across county lines. None of the cuts have been publicly discussed or finalized, and some Metro officials are hoping that administrative cuts will spare cuts on the service side. We certainly hope so.

Something’s Amiss at PG County Jail: If you’re a resident of Prince George’s County and feel a sense of relief when a violent criminal is locked away, you should probably read the Post this morning. In a somewhat shocking article, the paper reports that a number of inmates broke out of their cells and attacked guards when they were prevented from watching the Super Bowl. The most surprising admission? That cell locks in the county jail have long been known to be faulty, so much so that deodorant can tops or plastic utensils can be used to break them open. Other problems at the jail include the killing of inmate Ronnie White last summer, the loss of four handguns from the jail’s armory and a series of incidents involving jail guards.

Pimlico Bans BYOB Booze: If you’re planning on heading out to Preakness this year, you might actually have to be interested in horse racing. Officials at the Baltimore race track have banned BYOB booze in the infield, putting a damper on the annual drunkfest that in 2007 saw 55 people sent to the hospital for a number of injuries. The Washington Times has all the details.

Briefly Noted: Raccoons invade White House grounds … Noon vigil planned for Columbia Heights homeless man beaten last week … McAuliffe campaign shakes up Virginia.

This Day in DCist: On this day in 2008, we found out that Sunday parking rules would be fully enforced in Logan Circle (take that, God!) and that a Thomas Circle hotel was losing its world-famous hospitality. In 2007, we debated what would happen if Congress removed height restrictions on buildings in the District.

Picture snapped by spiggycat