Phelps says 'deeply sorry' after being arrested for 'driving under influence'

American swimming great Michael Phelps has said that he is deeply sorry after he was arrested for drink driving.

The authorities in Baltimore, Maryland, revealed that Phelps was arrested for driving under the influence. They said that he was stopped for speeding after being caught going 84 miler-per-hour in a 45 miles-per-hour zone on Tuesday.

The traffic police said in a statement that Phelps was co-operative but failed a series of standard field sobriety tests, adding that he was charged and released, The BBC reported.

The most decorated Olympian ever, with 22 medals, later apologised on Twitter. He posted that he understands the severity of his actions and takes full responsibility.

Phelps tweeted that he knows these words might not mean much right now but he is deeply sorry to everyone he has let down.

The American retired after winning his 22nd Olympic medal at the London Games in 2012 but came out of retirement earlier this year.

The Maryland Transportation Authority said that Phelps was driving a white 4x4 in Fort McHenry tunnel in Baltimore when the vehicle was caught on police radar.

Police said that he was arrested and charged with DUI (driving under the influence), excessive speed and crossing double lines.

Phelps was previously charged for driving under the influence in Maryland in 2004. He pleaded guilty to driving while impaired in exchange for 18 months' probation, the report added.