Michael Phelps is stepping away from swimming to attend an unspecified program to get “the help I need,” according to posts on his social media pages Sunday.
It’s an in-patient, six-week program, according to reports citing Phelps’ representatives.
“We fully support Michael’s decision to place his health and well-being as the number one priority,” USA Swimming executive director Chuck Wielgus said in a statement, according to Swimming World. “His self-recognition and commitment to get help exhibit how serious he is to learn from this experience.”
Phelps’ decision comes following his arrest on DUI charges early Tuesday morning, when Maryland Transportation Authority police said Phelps was traveling 84mph in a 45mph zone.
He “appeared to be under the influence,” and was unable to perform standard field sobriety tests, according to the Maryland Transportation Authority.
Phelps had a blood-alcohol level of .14 percent, above the Maryland legal limit of .08, and was “disoriented” and “argumentative,” according to police documents. The officer smelled alcohol in Phelps’ white Land Rover and in his breath. Phelps said he had “three or four drinks,” the last two hours earlier, according to police documents.
In 2004, Phelps was sentenced to 18 months probation after pleading guilty to drunken driving shortly after the Athens Olympics.
Phelps, 29, is six months into a competitive comeback after a 20-month retirement following the London Olympics.
