Swimming legend Michael Phelps 'deeply sorry' after drink drive arrest

Charged: Michael Phelps (Picture: AP)

1 October 2014

Olympic Swimmer Michael Phelps has apologised after he was arrested for driving under the influence.

Phelps, who is the most decorated Olympian of all time with 22 medals, was stopped at the Fort McHenry Tunnel in Baltimore in the USA early Tuesday morning.

Maryland Transportation Authority Police said the 29-year-old was speeding at 84mph in a 45mph zone in a white 4x4.

Phelps publicly apologised to his 1.6 million followers for his actions.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">(1/3) Earlier this morning, I was arrested and charged with DUI, excessive speeding and crossing double lane lines.— Michael Phelps (@MichaelPhelps) <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/MichaelPhelps/status/517036216530006018" class="body-link" data-vars-item-name="BL-170741-https://twitter.com/MichaelPhelps/status/517036216530006018" data-vars-event-id="c23">September 30, 2014</a>

He wrote: “Earlier this morning, I was arrested and charged with DUI, excessive speeding and crossing double lane lines.

"I understand the severity of my actions and take full responsibility.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">(2/3) I understand the severity of my actions and take full responsibility.— Michael Phelps (@MichaelPhelps) <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/MichaelPhelps/status/517036302232190977" class="body-link" data-vars-item-name="BL-170741-https://twitter.com/MichaelPhelps/status/517036302232190977" data-vars-event-id="c23">September 30, 2014</a>

"I know these words may not mean much right now but I am deeply sorry to everyone I have let down."

He was released by police after his arrest.

Police said he was “arrested and charged with DUI, excessive speed and crossing double yellow lines”.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">(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) <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/MichaelPhelps/status/517036373153689600" class="body-link" data-vars-item-name="BL-170741-https://twitter.com/MichaelPhelps/status/517036373153689600" data-vars-event-id="c23">September 30, 2014</a>

This is his second DUI charge in his hometown Baltimore County.

The swimmer faced a similar charge in Maryland in 2004 and pleaded guilty to driving while impaired in exchange for 18 months’ probation.

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Swimming legend Michael Phelps 'deeply sorry' after drink drive arrest

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