Michael Phelps Arrested: Latest Details, Comments and More

Updates from Wednesday, Nov. 5

Nancy Amour of USA Today has an update on Michael Phelps' trial date:

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Michael Phelps' trial for drunk driving has been postponed until Dec. 19.

The Olympic champion swimmer's trial was originally scheduled for Nov. 19, but his attorney asked for a postponement. Phelps announced Oct. 5 that he was entering a six-week, in-patient program "that will provide the help I need to better understand myself."

Phelps had a blood-alcohol content of .14, nearly twice the legal limit, when he was arrested Sept. 30 in Baltimore. He faces five charges, three relating to driving while impaired.

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Updates from Monday, Oct. 6

USA Swimming suspended Michael Phelps for six months following his arrest via a statement on its website:

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USA Swimming announced today that, due to a violation of the organization’s Code of Conduct, Michael Phelps (Baltimore, Md.) will be suspended from USA Swimming-sanctioned competition for six months, withdraw from the 2015 FINA World Championships Team and forfeit his funding from the NGB for six months. 

(...)

As a result, USA Swimming has taken the following actions: 

• Six-Month Suspension from Competition. Phelps will be permitted to train with his member club, but shall be ineligible to participate in USA Swimming-sanctioned competitions through March 6, 2015.
• Withdrawal from the 2015 World Championship Team. Phelps and USA Swimming each agree that Phelps will not represent the United States at the 2015 FINA World Swimming Championships in Kazan, Russia, from August 2-9.
• Forfeiture of USA Swimming's Monthly Stipend. The monthly payments from USA Swimming will be halted during the six-month suspension period.  

'Membership in USA Swimming, and particularly at the National Team level, includes a clear obligation to adhere to our Code of Conduct. Should an infraction occur, it is our responsibility to take appropriate action based on the individual case. Michael’s conduct was serious and required significant consequences,” USA Swimming Executive Director Chuck Wielgus said. “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.'

 

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Updates from Sunday, Oct. 5

Michael Phelps released a statement on Twitter this morning acknowledging his need to seek help and take a break from swimming:

Updates from Wednesday, Oct. 1

ESPN.com reports on Michael Phelps' BAC when he was pulled over by police and provides a description from the police on his disposition at the time of the arrest:

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Police documents indicate that Olympic swimming great Michael Phelps registered .14 percent on a breathalyzer test after he was stopped on a speeding violation.

The legal limit for intoxication in Maryland is .08.

The statement of probable cause by the Maryland Transportation Authority police also says Phelps' eyes were red, bloodshot, and "his speech was mush mouth."

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Paul Newberry of The Associated Press provides more details on the charges and punishments Phelps faces:

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Phelps was charged with driving under the influence, excessive speed and crossing double lane lines in the Fort McHenry Tunnel on Interstate 95 in Baltimore, according to the Maryland Transportation Authority.

If convicted on the DUI charge, he would face a maximum penalty of a year in jail, a $1,000 fine and the loss of his driver's license for six months. Under Maryland law, the latest case isn't considered a second offense because his first DUI conviction occurred more than five years ago.

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TMZ.com reports new information on what Phelps may have been doing prior to his arrest Tuesday morning: 

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Michael Phelps had just finished up an 8-hour gambling session at a Baltimore casino before he was popped for DUI early Tuesday morning ... TMZ Sports has learned.

According to our casino sources, Phelps hit up the Horseshoe Casino around 5pm Monday afternoon ... and sat in a private VIP gambling room for hours ... finally leaving around 1am.

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Original Text

Legendary swimmer Michael Phelps' road back to Olympic competition has taken a troubling detour, as he was reportedly arrested for driving under the influence Monday night.

TMZ.com is reporting that the 18-time Olympic gold medalist was stopped and arrested in Maryland after going 84 mph in a 45 mph zone. Phelps also reportedly had a blood-alcohol content that was twice the legal limit. CNN were also able to confirm TMZ's report:

Phelps was released from a local police station following the arrest, according to TMZ.com. 

He would address the situation on Twitter Tuesday afternoon: 

SwimSwam.com provides a statement from USA Swimming, regarding the Phelps arrest:

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The news regarding Michael Phelps and his actions are disappointing and unquestionably serious. We expect our athletes to conduct themselves responsibly in and out of the pool.

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This wouldn't be the first time the 29-year-old superstar has gotten in trouble with the law or been embroiled in controversy.

Phelps was arrested for DUI as a 19-year-old in 2004, and he apologized profusely for his actions following the incident, according to The Washington Post (h/t people.com):

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Last week, I made a mistake. 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. I'm extremely sorry for this.

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In addition, Phelps confirmed the authenticity of a photo in 2009 that showed him smoking from a marijuana pipe, per The Associated Press (h/t ESPN.com).

Phelps retired following the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, but he decided to make a comeback in April with an eye toward the 2016 Summer Games in Rio de Janeiro.

It remains to be seen how or if this alleged DUI situation will impact his Olympic aspirations, but there is no question that it will further damage his public credibility. Phelps has endorsement deals with many major companies, and Russ Ptacek of WUSA9 News believes the Olympian could face backlash in that regard:

As one of the most famous and recognizable athletes in the world, everything Phelps does is put under a microscope. That is especially true in the midst of his return to swimming.

With that in mind, Phelps will have a great deal of explaining and damage control to do on the heels of this arrest.

Follow @MikeChiari on Twitter