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Olympic gold medalist swimmer Michael Phelps has publicly apologized for a DUI arrest in Baltimore early morning Tuesday following a reported 8-hour gambling binge.
Phelps, whose father is a retired Maryland State Trooper, deeply regrets the incident and issued a statement late Tuesday.
"Earlier this morning, I was arrested and charged with DUI, excessive speeding and crossing double lane lines," Phelps said in the statement. "I understand the severity of my actions and take full responsibility. I know these words may not mean much right now but I am deeply sorry to everyone I have let down."
A Maryland Transportation Authority Police officer was using radar about 1:40 a.m. when Phelps' white 2014 Land Rover came through at 84 mph in a 45 mph zone, the transportation authority said in a statement. The officer stopped Phelps just beyond the tunnel's toll plaza.
"Mr. Phelps was identified as the driver by his driver's license and appeared to be under the influence," the statement said. "He was unable to perform satisfactorily a series of standard field sobriety tests."
The 22-time Olympic medal winner was observed drinking heavily at a local Baltimore area casino according to TMZ.com Sports:
According to our casino sources, Phelps hit up the Horseshoe Casino around 5pm Monday afternoon ... and sat in a private VIP gambling room for hours ... finally leaving around 1am.
We're told Phelps was playing blackjack ... though it's unclear if he also played other card games that night. There have been several reports that he's big into poker.
Clearly, Phelps had been drinking inside the casino ... we're told his booze of choice was beer ... and when he was pulled over around 1:40am, it was just a few miles from the casino.
This is not Phelps first DUI arrest. He was arrested in Maryland ten years ago at the age of 19 for driving while under the influence and eventually entered a plea deal. Phelps could face up to two years prison time and one year suspension of his driving privileges if the charges stick.
- Jagajeet Chiba, Gambling911.com
