USA Swimming has suspended Michael Phelps for six months, forced him to withdraw from next year’s world championships and taken away his funding from the sport’s national governing body. The move came as a result of the Olympic champion’s second DUI arrest.
Phelps announced he was entering a six-week, in-patient program the prior weekend, days after he was arrested and charged with drunken driving in his hometown of Baltimore.
In a statement, USA Swimming Executive Director Chuck Wielgus said: “Michael’s conduct was serious and required significant consequences. 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.”
In August, Phelps ended his long-time sponsorship with Speedo and signed an endorsement deal with Aqua Sphere, a producer of swimwear and accessories for triathletes and fitness swimmers that has not made racing suits before.
