After Michael Phelps announced early this morning that he would be “taking some time away” from swimming, USA Swimming Executive Director Chuck Wielgus has responded by releasing the following statement.
“We fully support Michael’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.”
USA Swimming has not made a specific decision as to whether or not they plan to issue any punishment in this case. They did say this morning, however, that they are still “considering all possible options.”
“Our focus has been on completing the necessary due diligence in looking at all aspects of the situation,” a spokesperson said. “This is taking time. It’s a serious situation and we’re treating it that way with a thorough evaluation. This has been the case all along and remains the same today.”
I find the reaction of completely ridiculous Mister Chuck Wielgus. Explain I the report enters to drive too fast by car and the swimming.
It is really necessary to be American to have such a reaction.
Drive a car is a part of his private life and has nothing to do with its champion’s public life of swimming.
Leave it to Chuck Wielgus, the man who turned his back on sexual predator coaches for years, to make a statement on well-being.
Thanks for stating the obvious Chuck! The reason you are doing nothing is because the case needs to be decided on by a qualified judge. Why don’t you just say that the case is sub-judice and that MP is innocent until proven guilty. For all you know he may plead not guilty,on advice from his legal team, and get found not guilty. Stranger things have happened.
Not THAT strange. You may also want to take a look at USA swimming code of conduct article 304. That is why he got popped for the bong photo. Better to be glad MP is taking this seriously and is doing something proactive. More power to him.
Are you talking about section .6 – existence of any pending charges (ii) any offense involving use, possession, distribution or intent to distribute illegal drugs or substances?
It seems the bong photo was possession of an illegal substance. Once again, ALCOHOL is NOT an illegal substance.
http://www.usaswimming.org/ViewMiscArticle.aspx?TabId=1599&Alias=Rainbow&Lang=en&mid=6074&ItemId=5773
“.19 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.”
Can you name ANYONE who has been punished by USA Swimming for a DUI? USA Swimming CONTINUALLY damages their own reputation and image and are responsible for many more crimes and code of conduct violations than most people are aware. To use Phelps DUI as an excuse to APPEAR to the PUBLIC that they CARE about anything other than covering up their own indiscretions and that of their friends is beyond reprehensible. Many positions within the swimming community do not require background checks – why is that?
Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah. “Please Michael take one for the team, because even if you are not charged with a felony, we still MUST make an example of you”. “If we make an example of you, we won’t LOOK good if we do not punish all others within USA Swimming who have DUI’s”.
If one of the charges is “reckless endangerment” then it could be a felony. In my state 20mph over the speed limit is considered reckless endangerment. Sometimes they will charge you with excessive speed which is like getting a ticket, espescially if you are the only one in the car and no one was hurt. Don’t know about Md.
Caitlin – one of the charges is not “reckless endangerment,” at least not at this time. See the initial 5 charges here: http://swimswam.com/maryland-public-records-release-5-charges-michael-phelps-dui-case/
I realize the Phelps story has dominated the swimming news for the past week, but any chance we’ll see the college previews for the #6 teams anytime soon (today or tomorrow)? It’s been over a week since the #7 previews. 🙂
I hope you got your collect previews that you are waiting for. Please accept my apologies on behalf of all us swim fans who congregate around any article with the word “Phelps” in the headline. There’s just SO much real-life drama in this guys’s life. It’s so raw and messy & intriguing…it’s hard to look away! 🙂