Spitz released a statement in support of Phelps in February 2009 just days after a British newspaper published photos of Phelps taking a hit from a bong. Spitz told US Magazine, "As strictly a fan, I feel badly for Michael and the situation he has put himself in. I think no one would wish this on anyone, especially the person that gave us a summer like no other in 2008. I hope this only leads to a better tomorrow for him and his family."US Magazine: Mark Spitz... (February 2, 2009)

"Goggles were not allowed. A cap was allowed, but I chose not to wear one. I grew the mustache because a coach in college said I couldn't grow one." — August 16, 2004 Time article: "10 Questions For Mark Spitz"

"I never got invited. You don't go to the Olympics just to say, I am going to go. Especially because of who I am...I am going to sit there and watch Michael Phelps break my record anonymously? That's almost demeaning to me. It is not almost – it is" — August 11, 2008, after not being invited to the 2008 Summer Olympics