Washington: Michael Phelps, the 18-time Olympic swimming champion arrested last week for drunken driving, was banned for six months by USA Swimming on Monday and dropped from the 2015 World Championships
The punishments came six days after Phelps was apprehended by police in his hometown of Baltimore and charged with driving under the influence of alcohol in excessive speed and crossing the center line while driving inside a tunnel.
On Sunday, Phelps said on Twitter that he would be taking a break from swimming and "take some time away to attend a program" for treatment of unspecified personal issues. In announcing sanctions against the Olympic superstar, USA Swimming executive director Chuck Wielgus said Phelps' actions required "significant consequences."
"Michael has publicly acknowledged the impact of his decisions, his accountability especially due to his stature in the sport and the steps necessary for self improvement," Wielgus said.
"We endorse and are here to fully support his personal development actions."
The discipline meted out, which includes forfeiture of Phelps' funding from the federation for six months, is based on USA Swimming rules that prohibit conduct "detrimental to the image or reputation" of USA Swimming or the sport.
However, Phelps will still be allowed to train with his club, but cannot compete in USA Swimming-sanctioned competitions through March 6, 2015. According to the federation, Phelps has agreed that he will not represent the United States at the World Championships on August 2-9 in Kazan, Russia.
The worlds were expected to provide a key measure of whether Phelps' comeback had him on course to challenge for more Olympic gold at Rio in 2016.
