Michael Phelps has been suspended from competition by USA Swimming following his second DUI arrest.
The Olympic swimmer violated the organization’s Code of Conduct, according to a statement released on Monday by the USA Swimming organization.
Also read: Michael Phelps Taking Break From Swimming, Going to Rehab After Second DUI
He will still be allowed to train with his club, but cannot participate in any USA Swimming-sanctioned events until March 6, 2015.
Phelps had previously announced he was taking a break from swimming after being arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence in Baltimore last month.
“I’m going to take some time away to attend a program that will provide the help I need to better understand myself,” Phelps wrote in a series of tweets on Sunday morning.
“Swimming is a major part of my life, but right now I need to focus my attention on me as an individual,” he added.
Also read: Michael Phelps Apologizes for Second DUI Arrest: I Take Full Responsibility
Phelp’s announcement came after he was arrested on Sept. 30 and charged with driving under the influence, excessive speed and crossing double lines on Interstate 95 in Baltimore.
The 22-time Olympic medalist was 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 told the TheWrap at the time.
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It was the second time Phelps, 29, was arrested and charged with DUI. In 2004, he was stopped near Salisbury University in Maryland after running a stop sign, and charged with DUI, violation of a license restriction and failure to obey a stop sign.
Read the full statement from USA Swimming below.
USA Swimming announced today that, due to a violation of the organization’s Code of Conduct, Michael Phelps (Baltimore, Md.) will be suspended from USA Swimming-sanctioned competition for six months, withdraw from the 2015 FINA World Championships Team and forfeit his funding from the NGB for six months.
Phelps’ discipline is set forth under Section 304.3.19 of the 2014 Rule Book, which states “Any other material and intentional act, conduct or omission not provided for above, which is detrimental to the image or reputation of USA Swimming, a LSC or the sport of swimming.”
As a result, USA Swimming has taken the following actions:
- Six-Month Suspension from Competition. 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.
- Withdrawal from the 2015 World Championship Team. Phelps and USA Swimming each agree that Phelps will not represent the United States at the 2015 FINA World Swimming Championships in Kazan, Russia, from August 2-9.
- Forfeiture of USA Swimming’s Monthly Stipend. The monthly payments from USA Swimming will be halted during the six-month suspension period.
“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,” USA Swimming Executive Director Chuck Wielgus said. “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.”
The measures were approved by the USA Swimming Executive Committee and take effect immediately.