Mary Lou Retton Pleads No Contest to DUI Charges
FAIRMONT, W.Va. (AP) — Renowned American gymnastics champion Mary Lou Retton pleaded no contest to driving under the influence (DUI) on Tuesday, following a May traffic stop in her hometown of Fairmont. A Marion County judge imposed a $100 fine, in line with sentencing guidelines for first-time, non-aggravated offenses, according to Retton’s attorney, Edmund J. Rollo.
In a statement through her attorney, the 57-year-old gymnast acknowledged her wrongdoings, saying, “What happened was completely unacceptable. I make no excuses. To my family, friends, and my fans: I have let you down, and for that, I am deeply sorry.” She vowed to learn and grow from this incident, expressing gratitude for the support she has received.
The DUI charge stems from a May 17 incident when police pulled over Retton after receiving reports of a Porsche being driven erratically. Officers noted the smell of alcohol, slurred speech, and a failed field sobriety test. Additionally, a wine container was spotted in the passenger seat.
Mary Lou Retton made history in 1984 as the first American woman to win the all-around gold medal in gymnastics at the Los Angeles Olympics, where she also earned two silver and two bronze medals. Her achievements significantly contributed to the popularity of gymnastics in the U.S.
In recent developments, Retton’s family revealed she had been recovering from a serious bout of pneumonia that nearly necessitated ventilation due to dangerously low oxygen levels. After weeks of medical treatment, she has returned home to continue her recovery.
Retton’s plea signifies her commitment to personal accountability and her intention to move forward positively amid ongoing challenges.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image associated with the presented article. Due to copyright reasons, we are unable to use the original images. However, you can still enjoy the accurate and up-to-date content and information provided.
