Michael Phelps Takes Time Off From Swimming After His DUI Charge; Says He Will Enter Six Week Program That Will 'Provide The Help I Need' [PHOTO]

Olympic champion Michael Phelps has decided to put his swimming career on hold after facing his second DUI arrest last week. According to CBS News, Phelps' program will keep him from competing at least until mid-November, and there are no indications that he plans to give up swimming. 

Phelps tweeted Sunday that he will be entering a six-week program that will "provide the help I need to better understand myself." He continued, "The past few weeks have been extremely difficult... I realize this is not my first lapse in judgment, and I am extremely disappointed with myself... 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," further conveying the reason for his decision.

CNN reports that the medalist was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, excessive speed, and crossing double lines on Interstate 95 in Baltimore. Prior to his arrest, he was out gambling, and when his luck ran out, his blood alcohol level was almost twice the legal limit.

Officers noticed that Phelps' eyes were "red, bloodshot, and his speech was mush mouth." When officers asked him to walk in a straight line, he had difficulty with his balance. Furthermore, when asked to stand on one leg, he stated, "That's not happening."

 This isn't the first time Phelps has had a run-in with the law - in 2004, he was arrested for driving under the influence Salisbury, Maryland. He pleaded guilty, and was sentenced to 18 months probation after the incident.

A statement from Octagon reads, "Michael takes this matter seriously and intends to share his learning experiences with others in the future." Phelps' trial is scheduled for November 19, and if convicted he could spend up to a year in jail, be issued a $1,000 fine, and lose his driver's license for six months. However, legal experts have stated that it is unlikely the swimmer will serve any jail time.

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Michael Phelps
DUI
swimming
rehab
Octagon
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