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Phelps 'deeply sorry' following arrest

Michael Phelps has recently returned to the pool after reversing his decision to retire © Getty Images

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Olympic swimming legend Michael Phelps was arrested on a DUI charge in the early hours of Tuesday, and officials say he was speeding and failed field sobriety tests when officers pulled him over.

Phelps was charged with driving under the influence, excessive speed and crossing double-lane lines in a tunnel in Baltimore, according to the Maryland Transportation Authority.

Phelps, 29, acknowledged the arrest and issued an apology in a statement released on Tuesday afternoon.

"Earlier this morning, I was arrested and charged with DUI, excessive speeding and crossing double lane lines," Phelps said in the statement. "I understand the severity of my actions and take full responsibility. I know these words may not mean much right now but I am deeply sorry to everyone I have let down."

A Maryland Transportation Authority Police officer was using radar about 1.40am when Phelps' white 2014 Land Rover came through at 84mph in a 45 mph zone, the transportation authority said in a statement. The officer stopped Phelps just beyond the tunnel's toll plaza.

"Mr. Phelps was identified as the driver by his driver's license and appeared to be under the influence," the statement said. "He was unable to perform satisfactorily a series of standard field sobriety tests."

The statement said Phelps was cooperative throughout the process. Phelps was arrested and taken to a transportation authority station, from which he was later released.

This is Phelps' second DUI charge in Maryland. The first charge was in 2004 on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, and he received 18 months' probation and a $250 fine. Phelps also was required to deliver a presentation on alcohol awareness to students at three high schools.

At the time, Phelps told the judge in a packed courtroom: "I recognise the seriousness of this mistake. I've learned from this mistake and will continue learning from this mistake for the rest of my life."

Phelps is the most decorated Olympian of all time with 22 Olympic medals. He also generated negative attention in 2009, when a photo in a British newspaper showed him inhaling from a marijuana pipe.

Phelps, who has won a record 18 gold medals, did not dispute the authenticity of the photo published by the tabloid News of the World, acknowledging "regrettable" behavior and "bad judgment".

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