22-time Olympic medalist Michael Phelps has announced he’ll be taking some time away from swimming. The announcement – which was made via his Twitter account – comes after Phelps was arrest on Tuesday for DUI with a blood-alcohol level of .14.
Phelps was said to be speeding and crossed the double lines on Interstate 95 in Baltimore.
The past few days have been extremely difficult.
— Michael Phelps (@MichaelPhelps) October 5, 2014
I recognize that this is not my first lapse in judgment, and I am extremely disappointed with myself.
— Michael Phelps (@MichaelPhelps) October 5, 2014
I’m going to take some time away to attend a program that will provide the help I need to better understand myself.
— Michael Phelps (@MichaelPhelps) October 5, 2014
Swimming is a major part of my life, but right now I need to focus my attention on me as an individual,
— Michael Phelps (@MichaelPhelps) October 5, 2014
and do the necessary work to learn from this experience and make better decisions in the future.
— Michael Phelps (@MichaelPhelps) October 5, 2014
Per TMZ, Phelps was coming from an eight-hour gambling binge prior to being pulled over at 1:00 AM
Phelps has had several run ins with the law involving alcohol. In 2004, he was arrested on charges of driving under the influence in Salisbury, Maryland. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 18 months probation. He also issued an apology after that incident.
In 2009, a photo of him hitting a bong at a party got out.
