USA Swimming Suspends Michael Phelps

Wednesday, October 8, 2014

USA Swimming Suspends Michael Phelps

Michael Phelps (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)

Oct 6 (Reuters) – U.S. swimmer Michael Phelps, who recently returned to top-level competition after a two-year retirement, was suspended on Monday for six months by USA Swimming following his recent arrest on a drunken driving charge.

Phelps, the most decorated Olympian of all time, will also not represent the United States at the 2015 FINA World Swimming Championships in Russia next August, USA Swimming said in a statement.

Full statement from USA Swimming:

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – USA Swimming announced today that, due to a violation of the organization’s Code of Conduct, Michael Phelps(Baltimore, Md.) will be suspended from USA Swimming-sanctioned competition for six months, withdraw from the 2015 FINA World Championships Team and forfeit his funding from the NGB for six months.

Phelps’ discipline is set forth under Section 304.3.19 of the 2014 Rule Book, which states “Any other material and intentional act, conduct or omission not provided for above, which is detrimental to the image or reputation of USA Swimming, a LSC or the sport of swimming.”

As a result, USA Swimming has taken the following actions:

· Six-Month Suspension from Competition. Phelps will be permitted to train with his member club, but shall be ineligible to participate in USA Swimming-sanctioned competitions through March 6, 2015.

· Withdrawal from the 2015 World Championship Team. Phelps and USA Swimming each agree that Phelps will not represent the United States at the 2015 FINA World Swimming Championships in Kazan, Russia, from August 2-9.

· Forfeiture of USA Swimming’s Monthly Stipend. The monthly payments from USA Swimming will be halted during the six-month suspension period.

“Membership in USA Swimming, and particularly at the National Team level, includes a clear obligation to adhere to our Code of Conduct. Should an infraction occur, it is our responsibility to take appropriate action based on the individual case. Michael’s conduct was serious and required significant consequences,” USA Swimming Executive Director Chuck Wielgus said. “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. We endorse and are here to fully support his personal development actions.”

The measures were approved by the USA Swimming Executive Committee and take effect immediately.

(Reporting by Steve Ginsburg; Editing by Peter Cooney)

http://universalsports.com/2014/10/06/usa-swimming-suspends-michael-phelps/

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