Michael Phelps Arrested for DUI; Loses Sponsorships? [Rumor]

History's most awarded Olympian swimmer has been arrested for driving under the influence 

In a report by Yahoo Sports, Michael Phelps, 29, was reportedly arrested by Maryland Transit Authority police after being found Driving Under the Influence (DUI) at 1:40 a.m. in the Fort McHenry Tunnel on I-95 in Baltimore.

According to a statement by the MDTA, "A Maryland Transportation Authority Police Officer was operating stationary radar on southbound I-395 leaving Baltimore City when a White 2014 Land Rover entered the radar's area of influence at excessive speed (84 mph in a 45 mph zone). The officer followed the vehicle onto northbound I-95, through the tunnel and initiated an enforcement stop 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. He was unable to perform satisfactorily a series of standard field sobriety tests. Mr. Phelps was cooperative throughout the process."

After failing the sobriety tests, Phelps was charged with DUI, excessive speed and crossing double lane lines. He was released afterwards. The first time he was arrested for DUI was in 2004. He was put on probation for 18 months after a plea agreement.

Phelps commented on the incident on his Twitter account, "I recognize the seriousness of this mistake. I've learned from this mistake and will continue learning from this mistake for the rest of my life."

USA Swimming also stated via their spokesperson, "The news regarding Michael Phelps and his actions are disappointing and unquestionably serious. We expect our athletes to conduct themselves responsibly in and out of the pool."

In 2009, a photo of Phelps with a bong also surfaced. However, the past scandals were not enough to lose his commercial appeal. However, NBC News reported that the 18-gold medalist might run out of luck soon. Dean Crutchfield, a brand consultant in New York was quoted as saying, "The difference between a rut and a grave is the depth - and Phelps is digging deep." He added, "As J. Edgar Hoover once said: 'Sex and drugs bring down famous people.' I hope Michael has saved a lot of money because ... (he's) about to have his income curtailed and future sponsorships blocked."

Currently, Phelps rakes in millions of dollars through endorsement contracts with Under Armour, Aqua Sphere, Visa and Subway, based on a report by USA Today. Reality is going to catch up to him someday and he ought to realize now that winning gold medals for the United States is not an excuse for violating rules.