Phelps suspended from swimming, won't get paid for 6 months after DUI arrest: USA Swimming
The 18-time Olympic gold medalist, who was arrested for his second DUI last week, will also be forced to withdraw from the 2015 FINA World Championships Team after his conduct was found 'detrimental to the image or reputation of USA Swimming ... or the sport of swimming.'
Matt Slocum/AP Michael Phelps has been suspended for six months from competition and monthly funding following his second DUI arrest, USA Swimming announced Monday.
He's sunk.
Eighteen-time Olympic gold medalist swimmer Michael Phelps has been suspended for six months from competition and funding following his second DUI arrest, USA Swimming announced Monday.
The Olympic athlete, who was arrested Tuesday in Baltimore, will also be forced to withdraw from the 2015 FINA World Championships Team after his conduct was found "detrimental to the image or reputation of USA Swimming, an LSC (local swimming committee) or the sport of swimming."
"Michael's conduct was serious and required significant consequences," USA Swimming Executive Director Chuck Wielgus said in a statement.
The penalties follow the 29-year-old's bust for driving under the influence, excessive speed and crossing double lane lines. It was his second DUI arrest, with his first in 2004 at age 19.
On Sunday he announced plans to "attend a program" to deal with his repeat "lapse in judgment."
"I'm going to take some time away to attend a program that will provide the help I need to better understand myself," he said in a statement.
David Goldman/AP The decision by USA Swimming follows the 29-year-old Olympic athlete's second DUI arrest. His first was at age 19.
A spokesman for Octagon, the agency that represents Phelps, said he entered a six-week in-patient program.
Wielgus, meanwhile, embraced Phelps' effort to clean up his image Monday, despite conceding that the damage was already done.
"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," Wielgus said while announcing USA Swimming's decision.
Phelps will be banned from all USA Swimming-sanctioned competitions through April 6; will not represent the U.S. at the FINA World Swimming Championships in Kazaa, Russia, to be held Aug. 2-9; and will forfeit his monthly stipend from USA Swimming during the six-month suspension, according to the USA Swimming Executive Committee.
Matt Slocum/AP 
David Goldman/AP 
