MOSCOW, October 1 (RIA Novosti) – Legendary swimmer Michael Phelps, 29, has been taken into police custody for driving under the influence Tuesday, has said he is deeply sorry for his arrest.
(1/3) Earlier this morning, I was arrested and charged with DUI, excessive speeding and crossing double lane lines.
— Michael Phelps (@MichaelPhelps) September 30, 2014
(2/3) I understand the severity of my actions and take full responsibility.
— Michael Phelps (@MichaelPhelps) September 30, 2014
(3/3) I know these words may not mean much right now but I am deeply sorry to everyone I have let down.
— Michael Phelps (@MichaelPhelps) September 30, 2014
Baltimore police reported the 18-times Olympic gold medalist was pulled over for driving 84 mph (135 km/h) in a 45 mph (70 km/h) zone. Furthermore, Phelps crossed the double yellow lines, seconds before failing to pass the police sobriety test, NBC News said.
“Mr. Phelps was identified as the driver by his driver’s license and appeared to be under the influence”, police said in a statement, as quoted by the New York Daily News. Phelps, apparently, had twice the legal limit of alcohol in his body, reported TMZ Sports News.
Phelps received 18 months’ probation after hitting a stop sign, while driving under the influence in 2004, the BBC said. Shortly after winning the record eight gold medals at the Beijing Olympic Games, the swimming superstar was caught smoking marijuana out of a bong in 2009. As a result, US swimming federation suspended Phelps for three months.
