Michael Phelps Thanks Fans For Support Via Social Media

BALTIMORE – A few hours after news broke that Michael Phelps drew a suspended one-year sentence for his DUI guilty plea, Phelps reached out to his fans via social media to thank them for their support.

The past three months of my life have been some of the hardest times I’ve ever gone through, and the biggest learning experience that I’ve ever had. As I hoped, I learned a lot about myself during my time away and now have the tools to continue to learn and grow from all of this. What I did was wrong and I will share my experience with others and hope that I can help make a difference.

I know I still have work to do but I have great support around me and look forward to a brighter future. I am back in the pool training and have set new goals for myself in and out of swimming for 2015 and beyond. I’m so thankful for those who have supported me during this difficult time in my life!!! I love you all!!

Post by Michael Phelps.

Earlier today, Phelps plead guilty to DUI charges as well as speeding and crossing double yellow lines traffic violations stemming from an arrest on Sept. 30 earlier this year. The arrest occurred in the Fort McHenry Tunnel following an eight-hour stint at a local casino.

Following this news breaking in October, Phelps announced that he would enter rehab, while USA Swimming elected to suspend him for six months. Additionally, USA Swimming and Phelps mutually agreed that Phelps should withdraw from the 2015 World Championship team.

This isn’t the first time Phelps has had trouble with substance abuse. In 2004, Phelps was arrested for DUI as a 19-year-old. Then, in 2009, a photo of him smoking from a marijuana pipe emerged. The marijuana picture led to a three-month suspension from USA Swimming.

Phelps has already completed his stint in rehab, and is back in the water training with his longtime coach Bob Bowman preparing for the end of his USA Swimming suspension. He’s looking at meets in France and the Mesa Grand Prix as some of his next likely swims.

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