The swimming champ takes to Twitter to tell his fans that he wants to 'take some time away' from swimming to seek treatment following his recent drunk driving arrest.
- October 6, 2014
AceShowbiz -
Michael Phelps has announced he is going to "attend a program" to seek help following his recent arrest. The Olympic swimmer took to Twitter on Sunday, October 5 to announce his decision, adding that he wanted to take some time away from swimming to focus on himself.
"The past few days have been extremely difficult," he started. "I recognize that this is not my first lapse in judgment, and I am extremely disappointed with myself. I'm going to take some time away to attend a program that will provide the help I need to better understand 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."
Phelps' agency Octagon explained further that the swimming champ would enter a six-week, in-patient program. "As Michael stated, he recognizes the seriousness of his actions and is taking steps to address them. He is entering himself into a six-week, in-patient program," a spokesperson said, as reported by USA Today.
"While this has been an extremely difficult time for him, he is encouraged that this comprehensive program will help him focus on all of his life experiences and identify areas of need for long-term personal growth and development. Michael takes this matter seriously and intends to share his learning experiences with others in the future," the spokesperson added.
Phelps was arrested on early Tuesday after he drove at 84 mph in a 45-mph zone. He failed sobriety test and was charged with DUI, excessive speeding and crossing double lane lines. Back in 2004, he was arrested for similar problem in Maryland. Five years later, a photo of him smoking marijuana landed online.
