Olympic Swimmer Michael Phelps Banned from USA Swimming for 6 Months, Read Statement on Suspension Here

 

Olympic Swimmer Michael Phelps Banned from USA Swimming for 6 Months, Read Statement on Suspension Here

The discipline action from Michael Phelps latest DUI arrest has been announced. Phelps has been suspended for six months. 

USA Swimming Executive Director Chuck Wielgus released a statement saying, "Membership in USA Swimming, and particularly at the National Team level, includes a clear obligation to adhere to our Code of Conduct. Should an infraction occur, it is our responsibility to take appropriate action based on the individual case. Michael's conduct was serious and required significant consequences. Michael has publicly acknowledged the impact of his decisions, his accountability especially due to his stature in the sport and the steps necessary for self-improvement. We endorse and are here to fully support his personal development actions."

His six-month suspension will not allow him to compete in any competitions. Phelps will be permitted to train with his member club, but shall be ineligible to participate in USA Swimming-sanctioned competitions through April 6, 2015.

He will withdrawal from the 2015 World Championship Team. Phelps and USA Swimming both decided that Phelps will not represent the United States at the 2015 FINA World Swimming Championships in Kazan, Russia, from August 2-9.

Phelps receives a USA Swimming's monthly stipend which will also be suspended during the six-month suspension period.

The decorated Olympic swimmer was arrested early Tuesday morning (Sept 30) in his home state of Maryland for a DUI. 

He was reportedly stopped for going 80 mph in a 45 mph zone. He was asked to complete a sobriety test and failed with his BAC (blood alcohol content) being twice the legal limit. 

The 29-year-old took to his Twitter account to apologize to his fans and share his remorse for what happened.  

"Earlier this morning, I was arrested and charged with DUI, excessive speeding and crossing double lane lines." the 29-year-old Olympian wrote. "I understand the severity of my actions and take full responsibility."

"The past few days have been extremely difficult." the 29-year-old wrote on his Twitter account. "I recognize that this is not my first lapse in judgment, and I am extremely disappointed with myself."

"I'm going to take some time away to attend a program that will provide the help I need to better understand myself. Swimming is a major part of my life, but right now I need to focus my attention on me as an individual and do the necessary work to learn from this experience and make better decisions in the future," Michael shared.

Phelps was arrested 10 years ago for DUI as well and served 18 months probation.

"I know these words may not mean much right now but I am deeply sorry to everyone I have let down." Michael added. 

Phelps un-retired from swimming and is currently training up for the 2016 Summer Olympics in London. He is the most decorated Olympian of all time with a total of 22 medals in swimming events over the last several years. 

He also holds the all-time records for Olympic gold medals (18, double the second highest record holders), Olympic gold medals in individual events (11), and Olympic medals in individual events for a male (13). In winning eight gold medals at the 2008 Beijing Games, Phelps took the record for the most first-place finishes at any single Olympic Games. Five of those victories were in individual events, tying the single Games record. In the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, Phelps won four golds and two silver medals, making him the most successful athlete of the Games for the third Olympics in a row.

 

 

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