Swim star Phelps charged with drink driving
Six-time Olympic swimming gold medallist Michael Phelps has been charged with drink driving in Maryland after running a stop sign in his 4X4 vehicle, police said.
After the 19-year-old was stopped, a state trooper said he saw signs of intoxication and arrested Phelps for driving under the influence.
Phelps apologised yesterday.
“I want to say that last week I made a mistake. I wanted to share my feelings and I know that getting in a car with anything to drink is wrong, dangerous and is unacceptable,” he said.
“I’m 19, but I was taught that no matter how old you are you should always take responsibility for your action, which I will do. I’m very sorry this happened and it was mistake.”
The legal drinking age in Maryland is 21.
Police said two friends were in the vehicle with Phelps, who also was charged with driving while impaired, violation of a licence restriction and failure to obey a stop sign.
If convicted of driving under the influence, Phelps could receive up to a year in jail and a fine.
Phelps, from Baltimore, won eight medals at the Athens Olympics, including the six golds.
