Updated 05:06 AM EDT, Tue, Mar 19, 2024

Michael Phelps Comeback Compromised? Swimmer Arrested for DUI

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The comeback of Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps will now be widely discussed after the athlete was arrested for DUI charges in Baltimore on Tuesday.

An ABC News report said that this is already Phelps second arrest for DUI violation noting that this is "another embarrassment" for his planned participation in the Rio Olympics in 2016.

It was reported that the 29-year-old swimmer was charged by the Maryland Transportation Authority for speeding and failing field sobriety tests. The incident happened just a month after Phelps won gold and silver medals at the Pan Pacific Championships in Australia, making him qualified to compete in the next Olympics in Brazil.

But the swimmer was very apologetic in a statement he issued after news spread about his arrest. "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," Phelps was quoted by ABC News as saying.

This apology reportedly sounded so much more like his statements when he was arrested from drunk driving 10 years ago and when he was photographed using a marijuana pipe in 2009.

BBC, in a similar report, said that Phelps was cooperative after he was arrested. The swimmer was said to have been immediately released after being charged.

His actions, according to some reports, may or may not be punished by the USA national swimming team taking note that the same organization only suspended him for three months after the pot picture went out.

As for his 2004 driving under the influence in Maryland, Phelps, who pleaded "guilty to driving while impaired", was was slapped with probation for 18 months, BBC added.

In a statement, the USA swim team expressed that Phelps' actions were "disappointing and unquestionably serious."

"We expect our athletes to conduct themselves responsibly in and out of the pool," it added.

The same sentiment was aired by the US Olympic Committee which claimed that they were surprised with the swimmer's arrest. ABC News said that if he gets convicted for the DUI charge, he will be facing a maximum penalty of a year in prison, $1,000 fine and the suspension of his driver's license for six months.

People are expecting that his numerous endorsement deals could be affected after the arrest, though major brands have not yet commented on the incident.

Bob Dorfman, an executive director for the Baker Street Advertising told Chicago Tribune that this second DUI incident "will make sponsors nervous."

"Fortunately for Phelps, the 2016 Games are still a ways off, and there's plenty of time for this to be forgotten before the serious Rio marketing push begins. ... As long as he stays squeaky clean and swims well from now to Rio, I don't see this affecting his marketability. His comeback story is simply too compelling to consumers and marketers," Dorfman added.

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