Early Tuesday morning, gold medal Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps was arrested for driving under the influence in Baltimore, the Maryland Transportation Authority police said.
Phelps, 29, was reportedly pulled over at 1:40 a.m. for driving 84 miles per hour in a 45 mph zone. The officer apparently sensed Phelps was drunk and gave him a field sobriety test, which he failed. His BAC was reportedly twice the legal limit.
Phelps was then taken to nearby station and slapped with charges for a DUI, excessive speeding, and crossing over double lane line dividers.
The arrest is Phelps' second DUI. His first was 10 years ago, when he was arrested in Maryland. In a plea deal with prosecutors, he admitted guilt in exchange for 18 months of probation. In February 2009, he was also caught on camera smoking from a bong filled with what appeared to be marijuana.
Phelps was reportedly cooperative throughout the ordeal on Tuesday morning, and was eventually released.
Michael Phelps addressed the situation on Twitter:
(1/3) Earlier this morning, I was arrested and charged with DUI, excessive speeding and crossing double lane lines.
(2/3) I understand the severity of my actions and take full responsibility.
(3/3) I know these words may not mean much right now but I am deeply sorry to everyone I have let down.
About a week later, the Olympic swimmer wrote on Twitter that he was disappointed in himself, and would be "attending a program" to get help.
The past few days have been extremely difficult.
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.