Washington, Feb 11 : Eight people have been arrested in connection to Olympic golden boy Michael Phelps's pot puffing scandal.

According to WIS-TV, Richland County Sheriff''s Department has taken seven suspects in custody for possessing marijuana and the one for dealing in it.

One person is suspected to be the owner of the bong - who wasn''t present at the party, but was allegedly trying to sell the pipe on eBay for 100,000 dollars, reports Fox News.

The pics published in Britain''s News of the World, showing the eight times Olympic gold medallist using a bong, were taken in November at a University of South Carolina house party.

Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott has been criticized by those who believe he should focus on other crimes and stop singling out Phelps when other partygoers also broke the law.

But he said that he couldn''t ignore the violation captured in the picture just because Phelps is rich and famous.

USA Swimming has barred the 23-year-old star for three months, while Kellogg, the food company, announced that it would not renew its contract with swimming sensation when their deal expires at the end of February. (ANI)