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0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW Mail Tribune garners 11 first-place wins at ONPA ... Judge rules Eagle Point district violated teachers' free-speech rights during 2012 strike ... Burglars steal $250,000 Brammo racing bike ... Mail Tribune garners 11 first-place wins at ONPA ... Judge rules Eagle Point district violated teachers' free-speech rights during 2012 strike ... Burglars steal $250,000 Brammo racing bike ... SWIMMING Phelps suspended six months, will miss 2015 worlds Comment By The Chicago Tribune MailTribune.com By The Chicago Tribune Posted Oct. 6, 2014 at 8:15 PM By The Chicago Tribune Posted Oct. 6, 2014 at 8:15 PM » Social News USA Swimming announced Monday it has suspended Michael Phelps for six months, and he has withdrawn by mutual agreement with the federation from the U.S. team for the 2015 World Championships next August as a result of his second arrest for drunk driving. The federation’s action comes a day after Phelps announced he was stepping away from swimming to enter a treatment program his representatives called a “comprehensive, in-patient” program. USA Swimming acted under section 304.3.19 of its rule book, which allows sanctions for “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 (local swimming committee) or the sport of swimming.” Phelps, a multimillionaire, also will forfeit his USA Swimming stipend of $1,750 a month for six months but will be allowed to train with his club. He cannot compete again until March 6, 2015. “Michael’s conduct was serious and required significant consequences,” USA Swimming Executive Director Chuck Wielgus said in a statement. “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.” In a statement posted Sunday to his social media accounts and sent via email from Octagon, his management agency, Phelps said: “The past few days have been extremely difficult. I recognize that this is not my first lapse in judgment, and I am extremely disappointed with myself. I’m going to take some time away to attend a program that will provide the help I need to better understand myself. “Swimming is a major part of my life, but right now I need to focus my attention on me as an individual, and do the necessary work to learn from this experience and make better decisions in the future.” Phelps, 29, the most decorated athlete in Olympic history, was stopped by Maryland police early Tuesday morning after the car he was driving was clocked at 84 in a 45 mile per hour zone. He failed a field sobriety test, and his blood alcohol level (.14) was nearly double the allowable. Phelps was charged with DUI, driving at excessive speed and crossing double lines. By The Chicago Tribune MailTribune.com By The Chicago Tribune Posted Oct. 6, 2014 at 8:15 PM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... Business Name address Location, ST | website.com Find Southern Oregon Attractions Bars Restaurants Beauty Salons Entertainment Doctors Medical Specialists Contractors Education Lawn Services Lawyers Shopping Travel Tanning Used Cars Wedding Services ▼ Add your business here + Events Calendar Connect with MailTribune.com Facebook Twitter RSS Back to top Reader Services Reader Services Home Subscriptions Subscriber controls Contact us Submissions Photos Events Letters to the editor Corrections Announcements Obituaries Story ideas Since you asked Alerts Email Alerts RSS Feeds Text Alerts Advertise Media Kit Home Products and services Ad rates Advertising contacts Propel Marketing Mail Tribune Daily Tidings The Nickel Shop Our Valley Blogs Mobile Site Stay Informed Email newsletter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Your privacy is important, read our privacy policy. © Copyright 2015 Local Media Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Local Media Group Publications Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted. MailTribune.com | P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501