Crime

Michael Phelps Arrested for DUI, Says He's 'Deeply Sorry'

This is the second DUI bust for the celebrated Olympic swimmer

Published on September 30, 2014 12:25 PM

Olympic champion Michael Phelps was arrested for DUI in Baltimore early Tuesday morning.

“Earlier this morning, I was arrested and charged with DUI, excessive speeding and crossing double lane lines,” Phelps said in a statement. “I understand the severity of my actions and take full responsibility. I know these words may not mean much right now but I am deeply sorry to everyone I have let down.”

According to the Baltimore Sun, the celebrated gold medalist, 29, was pulled over around 1:40 a.m. for going 84 mph in a 45 mph zone just outside the Fort McHenry Tunnel in his white Range Rover.

An officer followed him through the tunnel and pulled him over. He then failed a field sobriety test.

“Mr. Phelps … was unable to perform satisfactorily a series of standard field sobriety tests,” police said in a statement, adding that he was cooperative.

Law enforcement sources told TMZ, which first reported the news, that Phelps’s blood alcohol content was nearly twice the legal limit. He was charged with driving under the influence, excessive speeding and crossing double lane lines.

The site reports that Phelps was taken to a local police station and booked for DUI before being released.

This is Phelps’s second DUI arrest. The 22-time Olympic medalist was also busted for DUI in 2004 at age 19.

“I made a mistake,” he said shortly after his 2004 arrest. “Getting in a car with anything to drink is wrong, dangerous and unacceptable. I’m 19 but was taught no matter how old you are, you should always take responsibility for your actions, which I will do.”