USA Swimming has suspended Olympic champion swimmer Michael Phelps for six months for violating the organization's code of conduct. The announcement Monday comes nearly a week after Phelps was arrested for driving under the influence, and a day after he said he would enter a six-week treatment program.
Phelps will be suspended from USA Swimming-sanctioned competition for six months, not eligible to compete again until April 6, 2015.
He will also forfeit his funding from USA Swimming for six months, and he will withdraw from the 2015 world championship team. He will not represent the U.S. next August in Kazan, Russia -- a major tune-up meet for the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
"Membership in USA Swimming, and particularly at the National Team level, includes a clear obligation to adhere to our Code of Conduct," USA Swimming Executive Director Chuck Wieglus said in a statement. "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. 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."
USOC CEO Scott Blackmun called the sanctions "appropriate" in a statement released Monday. "We are glad that Michael is seeking help. We are grateful that nobody was hurt and appreciate the speed at which USA Swimming and Michael took action," the statement said.
Phelps' punishment takes effect immediately.
The 29-year-old announced Sunday he would take time away from the sport to enter treatment. "I recognize that this is not my first lapse in judgment, and I am extremely disappointed with myself," Phelps said in a statement.
"Swimming is a major part of my life, but right now I need to focus my attention on me as an individual, and do the necessary work to learn from this experience and make better decisions in the future."
On Sept. 30 Phelps was also charged with excessive speed and crossing double lane lines within the Fort McHenry Tunnel on I-95 in Baltimore, the Maryland Transportation Authority Police said. Police said he was driving 84 mph in a 45-mph zone.
When Phelps was pulled over just before the toll plaza, he "appeared to be under the influence" and "was unable to perform satisfactorily a series of standard field sobriety tests," according to the police statement. Phelps was cooperative throughout the process, police said. He was later released.
This charge is not Phelps' first DUI-related offense. In 2004, a then-19-year-old Phelps was arrested for drunken driving and was ultimately sentenced to 18 months of probation.
It's not the first time USA Swimming has suspended Phelps from competition. In 2009, a photo surfaced of Phelps with a marijuana pipe at a party. He was suspended for three months.
During his suspension, Phelps is allowed to train with his North Baltimore Aquatic Club. Phelps is the most decorated Olympian in history, with 22 medals from the 2004, 2008 and 2012 Olympics. He retired after the London Games, where he won four golds, but began training last fall and officially returned to competition in April.
At last month's Pan Pacific Championships, his first international meet since London, he won three gold medals and two silvers.
Swimmers will qualify for the Rio Olympics at the team trials in Omaha, June 26-July 3, 2016.
USSA TODAY SPORTS
BY Nicole Auebarch
USA Today Sports
USSA TODAY SPORTS
BY Nicole Auebarch
USA Today Sports
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