Michael Phelps DUI: Olympic Swimmer Issues Public Apology, Claims He Takes 'Full Responsiblity' As Sponsors Grow Wary [VIDEO]
Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps released an apology on Wednesday following a recent DUI charge in Baltimore, claiming to take "responsibility" for his actions.
"I understand the severity of my actions and take full responsibility," Phelps declared in his formal statement. "I know these words may not mean much right now but I am deeply sorry to everyone I have let down."
Phelps was pulled over on Tuesday after driving 40 mph over the speed limit and crossing a double lane line on Interstate 95. When asked to perform a number of sobriety tests, he was unable to do so and was subsequently arrested.
This isn't Phelps first DUI, nor is it his first apology. According to MSN Sports, the Olympic swimmer athlete and 18-time gold medal winner was also pulled over back in 2004. USA Swimming did not admonish Phelps as a result of the incident, though he would later be suspended for three months in 2009 after photos were released showing him smoking marijuana.
As an Olympic athlete, and a successful one at that, Phelps faces the higher standard of being a role model for young athletes across the country. This point was noted by a number of people following his apology.
CEO of the U.S. Olympic Committee Scott Blackman declared that he was "surprised" and "disappointed on a number of fronts" after hearing of Phelps arrest.
While the swimmer has been released, he still faces jail time. It is uncertain whether any of his sponsors will pull out as a result of the charge, though this was the cast after the pot photos in 2009.
