Michael Phelps
Image Source: JD Lasica, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
What was the Accusation?
Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps faced public criticism after his arrest for driving under the influence in Baltimore, Maryland, early on September 30, 2014. According to the Maryland Transportation Authority, an officer using radar observed Phelps driving a white Land Rover at 84 mph in a 45-mph zone near the Fort McHenry Tunnel. Police said the vehicle crossed double lane lines and that Phelps was unable to perform a series of standard field sobriety tests satisfactorily. Subsequent reports based on police and court records stated that Phelps registered a blood-alcohol concentration of .14 percent, above Maryland’s legal driving limit of .08 percent. He was charged with driving under the influence, excessive speeding, and crossing double lane lines.
The arrest carried additional reputational significance because Phelps had previously faced an alcohol-related driving case in Maryland in 2004, when he was 19 years old. He pleaded guilty in that earlier case and received 18 months of probation. Following the 2014 arrest, Phelps quickly acknowledged what had happened rather than disputing responsibility. In a public statement released on September 30, he said he understood the seriousness of his actions, accepted full responsibility, and apologized to those he had disappointed. Several days later, he acknowledged that the incident was not his first lapse in judgment and announced that he would step away from swimming to enter a treatment program.
The consequences also affected Phelps’s competitive swimming career. On October 6, 2014, USA Swimming suspended him from sanctioned competition for six months, withdrew his financial support during the suspension, and removed him from the U.S. team for the 2015 FINA World Championships. Phelps subsequently completed a 45-day inpatient treatment program and continued treatment after returning to Maryland. On December 19, 2014, he pleaded guilty to driving under the influence in Baltimore City District Court. He received a one-year suspended jail sentence and 18 months of supervised probation. During the court proceeding, Phelps again acknowledged that his behavior had been wrong and described the arrest and treatment that followed as an opportunity to change his behavior.
Key Apologia Strategies:
Mortification, Corrective Action
Video
N/A
Transcript
Michael Phelps Tweet from September 30, 2014:
“Earlier this morning, I was arrested and charged with DUI, excessive speeding and crossing double lane lines. 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.”