Michael Phelps’ recent DUI arrest came after a marathon gambling session in a Baltimore casino, according to TMZ.
TMZ said according to its source, Phelps went to the newly opened Horseshoe Casino in Baltimore at around 5pm Monday afternoon, sat in a private VIP gambling room, likely where Phelps enjoyed one too many drinks that left him intoxicated and never left until 1 am Tuesday morning.
Shortly after leaving the Horseshoe, Phelps was pulled over by Baltimore police just a few miles from the casino. According to the Maryland Transportation Authority, Phelps’ white Land Rover sped through a 45 mph zone at 84 mph and where he was stopped by local authorities just beyond the Fort McHenry Tunnel’s toll plaza on Interstate 95 in Baltimore.
“Mr. Phelps was identified as the driver by his driver’s license and appeared to be under the influence,” the MTA’s statement said. “He was unable to perform satisfactorily a series of standard field sobriety tests.”
Phelps was eventually charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, excessive speeding, and crossing double-lane lines in the tunnel.
To his credit, Phelps owned up to the arrest and issued an apologetic statement. Earlier this morning, I was arrested and charged with DUI, excessive speeding and crossing double lane lines,” the 18-time Olympic gold medalist said in the statement. “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.”
This arrest isn’t the first time Phelps’ has been charged with DUI in the state. Back in 2004, he received a similar charge where he received 18 months’ probation and fined $250. But Phelps stature then isn’t what it is now wherein he’s widely regarded as the greatest Olympian in the modern-day Olympics.
There’s no telling how he’s going to be punished this time around but USA Swimming, the sport’s national governing body, could suspend him from competition months after he came out of retirement to bag three gold medals at the recent Pan Pacific Championships.
