In November 2004, at the age of 19, Phelps was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol in Salisbury, Maryland.[222] He pleaded guilty to driving while impaired, and was sentenced to serve 18 months’ probation, fined $250, ordered to speak to high school students about drinking and driving and to attend a Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) meeting.[223] Asked about the incident later by Matt Lauer on the Today Show, Phelps said that he had “let a lot of people in the country down.”[10]
In February 2009, publication of a photograph of Phelps using a bong, a device used for smoking, resulted in the loss of the Kellogg Company as a sponsor, as well as a three-month suspension by USA Swimming. Phelps admitted that the photo, taken at a party at the University of South Carolina, was authentic. He publicly apologized, saying his behavior was “inappropriate”.[224]
In September 2014, he was arrested again, on driving under the influence of alcohol and speeding charges in Baltimore, Maryland.[225][226] As a result, USA Swimming suspended him from all competitions for six months, and stated he would not be chosen to represent the United States at the 2015 World Aquatics Championships in August.[227] Without Phelps, the United States failed to qualify for the finals of the 4 × 100 m freestyle relay.[202]
Courtesy of Wikipedia
