After Michael Phelps was arrested in September and charged with DUI, there was speculation that the charges might mean the end of the swimmer’s career. Sunday morning, he announced via Twitter that he would be taking some time off to address personal problems.
On Twitter, at a little before 10 a.m. eastern on Sunday, Phelps posted a series of five tweets explaining his intentions.
The past few days have been extremely difficult.
— Michael Phelps (@MichaelPhelps) October 5, 2014
I recognize that this is not my first lapse in judgment, and I am extremely disappointed with myself.
— Michael Phelps (@MichaelPhelps) October 5, 2014
I’m going to take some time away to attend a program that will provide the help I need to better understand myself.
— Michael Phelps (@MichaelPhelps) October 5, 2014
Swimming is a major part of my life, but right now I need to focus my attention on me as an individual,
— Michael Phelps (@MichaelPhelps) October 5, 2014
and do the necessary work to learn from this experience and make better decisions in the future.
— Michael Phelps (@MichaelPhelps) October 5, 2014
According to Card Player , Phelps’ DUI on September 30 came as he left a casino . She was charged with DUI as well as speeding and crossing a double yellow line. ESPN describes the swimmer as the most decorated Olympian of all time, noting he has 22 medals, 18 of them gold. Back in September, he posted a public apology to Twitter as well.
(1/3) Earlier this morning, I was arrested and charged with DUI, excessive speeding and crossing double lane lines.
— Michael Phelps (@MichaelPhelps) September 30, 2014
(2/3) I understand the severity of my actions and take full responsibility.
— Michael Phelps (@MichaelPhelps) September 30, 2014
(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) September 30, 2014
The swimmer’s fans were largely forgiving, tweeting back to him with support and understanding. However, the charges could carry a risk of a lost license as well as a fine, and it seems the Olympic star swimmer took the incident as an impetus to change. His announcement today that he’ll be attending a program to help with his problems returned well wishes and promises of prayers, as fans thanked him for being a strong enough person to take responsibility for his actions.
There’s no word on how long of a break the swimmer will take. It’s clear, though, that fans will be waiting and ready when Michael Phelps deems himself ready to return to the sport.
[photo credit: marcopako ? via photopin cc ]
