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US gold-medalist swimmer Olympian swimmer Michael Phelps was suspended by the national team for 6 months following last week’s arrest for Driving Under the Influence (DUI).
The 18-time Olympic champion also lost six months of funding from the sport’s national governing body as a result of his second DUI. A previous arrest was made in 2004.
“Michael accepts USA Swimming’s sanctions,” according to a statement from his representatives at Octagon. “He has apologized for his actions and, as he shared yesterday, is taking steps to address them.”
Phelps 2nd DUI arrest followed an 8-hour gambling binge at a Baltimore-area casino last Tuesday.
"Earlier this morning, I was arrested and charged with DUI, excessive speeding and crossing double lane lines," Phelps said in the statement that day. "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."
Phelps is a protégé of legendary poker pro Doyle Brunson. It was not immediately known what casino game he had been playing prior to the arrest.
- Nagesh Rath, Gambling911.com
