Michael Phelps going to rehab after DUI arrest

Michael Phelps said Sunday that he's taking some time off from swimming and will attend a program after being arrested on DUI charges earlier this week. He made

Michael Phelps said Sunday that he's taking some time off from swimming and will attend a program after being arrested on DUI charges earlier this week. He made the announcement on Twitter.

The past few days have been extremely difficult.

— Michael Phelps (@MichaelPhelps) October 5, 2014

I recognize that this is not my first lapse in judgment, and I am extremely disappointed with myself.

— Michael Phelps (@MichaelPhelps) October 5, 2014

I’m going to take some time away to attend a program that will provide the help I need to better understand myself.

— Michael Phelps (@MichaelPhelps) October 5, 2014

Swimming is a major part of my life, but right now I need to focus my attention on me as an individual,

— Michael Phelps (@MichaelPhelps) October 5, 2014

and do the necessary work to learn from this experience and make better decisions in the future.

— Michael Phelps (@MichaelPhelps) October 5, 2014

Phelps, 29, was arrested and charged with driving under the influence Tuesday morning in Baltimore. He reportedly had a blood-alcohol content level of .14, nearly twice the legal limit.

It was Phelps' second DUI charge. His first came in 2004, when he was 19 years old. He pleaded guilty at the time and the judge gave him 18 months of probation but ended up waiving the conviction. With a second conviction, Phelps faces up to one year in jail, a $1,000 fine and a sixth-month suspension to his driver's license, according to an Associated Press report.

• Phelps apologizes after another brush with the law

The Olympic swimmer announced his retirement from the sport after the 2012 Olympics in London, but began training this spring in the hopes of competing in the 2016 Games in Rio. 

He is due to appear in court on the morning of Nov. 19 to face five charges, including DUI, excessive speed, and crossing double lane lines.

Phelps is the most decorated Olympian of all time with 22 Olympic medals, including 18 gold.

-- Alex Suskind