Michael Phelps picked up for SNL and VMAs

Michael Phelps’ Olympic screen time is up for now, but viewer interest has persisted beyond the 14-time gold medalist’s sports coverage. In the last week, he’s been picked up as a presenter on MTV's Video Music Awards, and on Sept. 13 he will host the season premiere of Saturday Night Live, accompanied by musical guest Lil Wayne.

In addition to the SNL commitment, NBC boasts several future Michael Phelps appearances. He’ll be a guest Sept. 8 on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. NBC also nabbed the rights to next year’s World Swimming Championship, to be hosted in Italy. Before signing the deal, the network confirmed that Phelps would be competing in Rome. The 2009, 2010 and 2011 swimming nationals will be televised on NBC as well.

Of course, NBC isn’t the only organization trying to milk Phelps’ sports-superstardom. On top of various long-time sponsors cashing in on his success (Visa, Speedo, his mom), the “Person’s Republic of Michael” has recently announced a new book deal, appeared at the New York YMCA, revamped his website, partied in London, endorsed… well, everything, championed Chicago’s 2016 bid, marched in a parade at Disney World, and broken Barack Obama’s Facebook-fan record. Phew.

Hopefully Phelps, whose agent says he's receiving more than 50 big-time endorsement pitches a day, will make some time for swim practice before the British games.

Related links:
News: Michael Phelps to release new autobiography in December
YouTube: AP video on Phelps 8th gold medal
The Wall Street Journal: The Michael Phelps diet: Don't try it at home

Got news tips for Paste? E-mail news@pastemagazine.com.