Michael Phelps Apologizes for Second DUI Arrest: I Take Full Responsibility

The Olympic gold medalist failed sobriety tests early Tuesday morning in Baltimore after being pulled over for excessive speeding

Getty Images

After being arrested for driving under the influence in Baltimore early Tuesday morning, Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps has apologized for letting his fans down.

The famed gold medalist was initially pulled over for speeding at 84 MPH in a 45 MPH zone in a white 2014 Land Rover, and failed a sobriety test, a spokesperson with the Maryland Transportation Authority confirmed to TheWrap. Phelps was charged with DUI, excessive speeding and crossing double lane lines.

The incident marks Phelps’ second DUI in Maryland, the state the athlete calls home.

Also read: Amanda Bynes Arrested for Driving Under Influence of Drugs

“Earlier this morning, I was arrested and charged with DUI, excessive speeding and crossing double lane lines,” he wrote on Twitter around midday Tuesday. “I understand the severity of my actions and take full responsibility.

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

Also read: Justin Bieber DUI Plea Deal Includes Anger Management; Star Making $50,000 Charitable Donation (Update)

According to the MDTA, Phelps “was unable to perform satisfactorily a series of standard field sobriety tests. Mr. Phelps was cooperative throughout the process.”

In 2004, Phelps was stopped near Salisbury University after running a stop sign, and charged with DUI, DWI, violation of a license restriction and failure to obey a stop sign.  He was sentenced to 18 months probation after pleading guilty to drunken driving.

Also read: Justin Bieber’s DUI Arrest: Exploitation by Miami Beach PD Or Masterful Use of Social Media?

“I recognize the seriousness of this mistake,” Phelps said during a hearing in 2004. “I’ve learned from this mistake and will continue learning from this mistake for the rest of my life.”

Read his latest tweets below.

 

Comments