Michael Phelps to take break for treatment after DUI arrest

Olympian plans to enter a six-week in-patient treatment program following a drunken-driving arrest last week in Baltimore, according to his representatives.

In a series of statements on Twitter Sunday morning, the Baltimore native told his fans that he plans to take time off to “attend a program” and focus on his personal life.

“I recognize that this is not my first lapse in judgment, and I am extremely disappointed with myself,” Phelps said. “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.”

In a statement, a spokesman for Phelps said the swimmer would check himself into an in-patient program for six weeks.

“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,” the statement said. “Michael takes this matter seriously and intends to share his learning experiences with others in the future.”

Phelps was stopped last Tuesday for speeding outside the Fort McHenry Tunnel after spending the evening at the Horseshoe Casino. He was charged with DUI, excessive speed, and crossing double lane lines. Police say his blood alcohol level was 0.14 and that he failed field sobriety tests. The state’s legal limit is .08.

Phelps is scheduled to appear in Baltimore City District Court for trial on Nov. 19.

After the incident, the city liquor board asked Horseshoe — which has the city’s only 24-hour-a-day liquor license — for more information about whether casino staff should have stopped serving Phelps.

The arrest last week was Phelps’ second for drunken driving. He pleaded guilty to driving while impaired after being arrested in 2004 in Wicomico County. In 2009, British tabloids published photos of him smoking a marijuana pipe.

Phelps, the most decorated Olympian in history — with 22 medals including 18 golds — made a comeback this year after retiring in 2012. He’s had mixed results since returning to competition, but in August, he had the fastest 100-meter butterfly time of the year at the Phillips 66 National Championships.

Later that month, he won five medals at the Pan Pacific championships in Australia. He has been nominated for five of USA Swimming’s Golden Googles Awards, including Male Athlete of the Year and the Perseverance Award.