Comeback on Halt #RESM560v

After announcing his return to competitive swimming, Micheal Phelps will take a step back from and seek help following his arrest for driving under the influence on Tuesday September 30th.

Micheal Phelps was arrested on the charge of a DUI, excessive speeding and crossing double lane lines in his hometown of Baltimore, Maryland.

According to Phelps’ representatives at Octagon , “Phelps entered an in-patient program that will keep him from competing at least through mid-November, though there’s no indication he plans to give up swimming.”

Following this arrest, Phelps has the full support of USA Swimming.

Chuck Wieglus, the executive director went on to say, “We fully support Micheal’s decision to place his health and well-being as the number one priority. His self-recognition and commitment to get help exhibit how serious he is to learn from this experience.”

This is not the first time that Phelps’ image has been under fire. According to ESPN, “The governing body suspended him (Phelps) for three months in 2009 after a photo emerged showing Phelps using a marijuana pipe, even though he was not charged.”

According to ESPN, Phelps will miss the U.S. Grand Prix meet in Minneapolis, which is an important step to next summer’s world championships in Russia. Phelps has already qualified for this meet, and will not compete in the short course world championships in Qatar held in December.

In my opinion, I think the amount of times we see celebrities in the news getting in trouble for DUI charges is ridiculous. The reason I say that is because celebrities have assets available to them to avoid driving under the influence. It obviously isn’t a money issue. Phelps could have easily paid a driver to take him to his location. So this comes down to his attitude, which is hard to change.

I applaud Phelps for taking the proper step in getting help, but something will need to change with his attitude. This doesn’t just apply to Phelps, this is across the board. Athletes in this society are considered heroes. It’s hard to root for someone that keeps getting arrested over and over again for the same thing.