6 Feb 2009

Phelps handed three-month ban by USA Swimming

7:23 pm on 6 February 2009

The Olympic swimming champion Michael Phelps has been banned for three months by USA Swimming amid controversy over a photograph published in a British newspaper purportedly showing him smoking marijuana.

Phelps's financial support has also been cut off for the same three-month period

Phelps has repeatedly apologised for the incident and says he may backtrack on his plans to compete at the London Olympics in 2012.

The International Olympic Committee says his apology is proof of his sincerity and world swimming's governing body FINA is also backing the embattled swimmer.