British swimmer Dan Wallace has been suspended from British and Scottish Swimming for three months after admitting to a DUI on June 22. He was stopped on account of suspicion while driving in Bridge of Allan, Stirlingshire, on June 1.
The British and Scottish organizations described his actions as “clearly unacceptable behavior.”
The Olympic silver medalist from Edinburgh also attended the University of Florida from 2012-2015 where he was a member of the winning 800 free relay in 2013 and earned 12 All-American honors.
Wallace was arrested at the University of Florida in 2014 for urinating on a police car. He was then suspended indefinitely from the Florida Gators program.
At the time, Florida Head Coach Gregg Troy said, “We are disappointed in some of the choices Dan Wallace made. Because of his actions he will be suspended from team activities indefinitely. Any decisions regarding a change to his status will be addressed internally.”
He later returned to compete for both Florida and the Gator Swim Club.
At this point, Wallace said he regrets letting himself, his teammates and his family down. He acknowledged that his actions put others in danger as well.
“I recognize that I am in a position of influence and this type of behavior is not acceptable in any way, shape or form,” Wallace said.” “I am now looking to rebuild trust in everyone who has supported me and put their faith in me, and will do whatever it takes to come through this a better, stronger person. I am deeply sorry.”
Wallace was not on the British roster for the upcoming World Championships in Budapest.
Read the full statement from British and Scottish Swimming below:
British Swimming and Scottish Swimming have announced that Dan Wallace will be suspended from all national programmes for a period of three months due to a violation of the athlete code of conduct.
Wallace is charged with driving while under the influence of alcohol and as a result is banned from all national programme activity until 12th September 2017.
Wallace has also signed a letter of intent outlining his commitment to work with the necessary support systems provided and reaffirming his responsibility to British Swimming, Scottish Swimming and the University of Stirling as an athlete.
Commenting on the suspension, British Swimming National Performance Director Chris Spice and Scottish Swimming Director of Performance Ally Whike said: “We can confirm that Dan Wallace has been charged with driving under the influence of alcohol. This is clearly unacceptable behaviour from Dan and we are disappointed by his actions.
“Dan has publicly acknowledged the seriousness of his mistake and is accepting of the consequences that must follow. Together, we will now support him through this difficult period to try to get this young and talented man back on track.”
Commenting on his actions Wallace said: “It is with much regret that I was found to be driving under the influence of alcohol. Not only have I let myself, my family and team-mates down, I have put others at risk and I am profoundly sorry for my actions. I recognise that I am in a position of influence and this type of behaviour is not acceptable in any way, shape or form.
“I am now looking to rebuild trust in everyone who has supported me and put their faith in me, and will do whatever it takes to come through this a better, stronger person. I am deeply sorry.”
The BBC and The Scottish Sun contributed to this report.