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USA Swimming declared Thursday to suspend Michael Phelps from competition and withdraw financial support for the next three months as one of his photos showing him smoking marijuana surfaced.

The organization’s board of directors voted on the decision, saying the intent was to send Phelps a “strong message” that it did not approve of his behavior: “This is not a situation where any anti-doping rule was violated, but we decided to send a strong message to Michael because he disappointed so many people, particularly the hundreds of thousands of USA Swimming member kids who look up to him as a role model and a hero,” and that “Michael has voluntarily accepted this reprimand and has committed to earn back our trust.”

Not only USA Swimming expressed disappointment with Phelps yesterday but also did cereal and snack maker Kellogg Co. announce it wouldn’t renew its sponsorship contract with Phelps, saying his behavior is “not consistent with the image of Kellogg.” Kellog’s was one of Phelps’ biggest sponsors.

Shortly came the official apology of Phelps “I engaged in behavior which was regrettable and demonstrated bad judgment,” and that “I’m 23 years old and despite the successes I’ve had in the pool, I acted in a youthful and inappropriate way, not in a manner people have come to expect from me. For this, I am sorry. I promise my fans and the public it will not happen again.”

The photo was said to be taken in a visit of Phelps to the University of South Carolina in November. Although Phelps was not specifically alleged to be smoking weed but the pipe is generally used for that purpose.

Before yesterday, Phelps had mostly received support from his sponsors and from the sport’s governing bodies. Speedo, Omega, Visa, PureSport, Mazda and Hilton Hotels issued statements of support earlier this week. Subway, which signed Phelps to an undisclosed long-term deal in November, has declined to comment on whether it will continue to use him as a pitchman.

Phelps’ coach, Bob Bowman said the suspension would cause Phelps to change his plans for returning to competition somewhat, but that he would choose a meet at some point in the spring and return to the pool after the three-month suspension. Phelps had originally planned to swim at the Austin Grand Prix from March 5 to 7.

“I think it sends a message to Michael, and we’re certainly going to abide by it,” Bowman said. “He’s eager to be back in training, and looking to move forward.”

Marc Schubert, USA Swimming National Team head coach and general manager, wasn’t even aware of the board of director’s decision until The Sun informed him of it last night. He said he hopes it will serve a purpose, but ultimately “that’s going to be up to him.

“The whole situation has obviously been disappointing, but Michael is very disappointed in himself,” Schubert said. “It’s been a real tough time for Michael. He’s kind of thrown himself into his swimming lately, which has been a good thing because I think he has his friends on his swim team, and I think he’s been introspective about the situation. He’s taken a good look at himself and realizes his mistake.”

On Wednesday, Phelps told The Sun that the intense public scrutiny this week has him mulling whether he wants to compete at the 2012 Olympic Games in London, a decision that could have millions of dollars at stake, not just for Phelps but for the television network NBC. Schubert said he knows what an intense competitor Phelps is and suspects it will be hard for him to stay away.

“I think without a doubt he’s annoyed by intense amount of scrutiny,” Schubert said. “It would be tough for any of us to live with. Hopefully as time goes on, I think generally most people will accept his apology. When we’re not seeing this on SportsCenter, I think he’ll probably give [the Olympics] some thought. He’ll approach it a day at a time. I was happy to learn he was back at practice today.”

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