SWIMMER MICHAEL PHELPS was arrested for driving while under the influence of alcohol today, Maryland police have confirmed.
The 18-time Olympic gold medalist was stopped in the early hours of the morning after being clocked by police doing 84 miles per hour in a 45mph zone.
A police statement revealed that an officer saw Phelps’ vehicle speeding within the Fort McHenry tunnel in Baltimore and proceeded to follow it before pulling him over.
Phelps, who was described as “cooperative throughout the process”, was identified by his driving license and ”was unable to perform satisfactorily a series of standard field sobriety tests”.
He was consequently arrested and charged with driving under the influence, excessive speed and crossing double lane lines, before later being released.
It is not the first time the swimmer has been in trouble for drunken driving, in 2004 he pleaded guilty to driving while impaired and was fined $250 and ordered to serve 18 months’ probation.
Phelps returned to swimming in April having retired following his four gold medals at London 2012 and claimed three wins at the Pan Pacific Championships last month.
He has tweeted an apology this evening:
