MOSCOW, October 6 (RIA Novosti) – Legendary swimmer Michael Phelps, 18-time Olympic gold medalist, announced on Sunday he would be suspending his comeback after his DUI arrest last week, said the Washington Post.
Phelps was arrested in Baltimore, Maryland and charged with Driving Under the Influence (DUI) on September 30, after speeding and crossing the double yellow lines. Last week's incident was Phelps’ second DUI; the first took place in 2004, when then young swimming prospect drove into a stop sign while drunk, CNN reported.
I’m going to take some time away to attend a program that will provide the help I need to better understand myself.
— Michael Phelps (@MichaelPhelps) October 5, 2014
Swimming is a major part of my life, but right now I need to focus my attention on me as an individual,
— Michael Phelps (@MichaelPhelps) October 5, 2014
The trial for Phelps’ last week charges is set for November 19. A spokesperson for Phelps told reporters that the athlete would attend a six week counseling program, reports CBS News.
Phelps returned from retirement in April, after he announced about possibly competing at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics, said ABC News.