US gymnastics legend Mary Lou Retton opens up about DUI arrest after entering no-contest plea
Famed American Olympic gymnast Mary Lou Retton addressed her new DUI arrest for the first time Tuesday Retton was arrested May in West Virginia when police responded to reports of a car traveling all over the roadway In a report provided to Fox News Digital by Retton's attorney Edmund J Rollo the gold medalist admitted to driving under the influence and apologized I take full responsibility for my actions the report mentioned What happened was absolutely unacceptable I make no excuses To my family friends and my fans I have let you down and for that I am deeply sorry I am determined to learn and grow from this experience and I am committed to making positive changes in my life I truly appreciate your concern encouragement and continued encouragement CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS COMRetton also entered a no-contest plea and a Marion County judge fined her according to Rollo Mary Lou Retton appeared in court this afternoon and entered a no-contest plea to a non-aggravated DUI charge stemming from a latest case Rollo advised Fox News Digital Mary Lou accepted full responsibility for her actions and received a standard fine consistent with sentencing guidelines for first-time non-aggravated offenses in this jurisdiction In keeping with her values Mary Lou made no request for special medication and was subject to the same legal process as any other individual She is grateful for the professionalism of law enforcement and the court system and she fully respects the outcome Mary Lou has expressed a sincere desire to use this experience as a moment for reflection and accountability She asks for privacy as she moves forward with her personal and professional life FORMER STAR GYMNAST SLAMS USA GYMNASTICS FOR TRANS ATHLETE STRATEGY HANDLINGRetton was charged with one count of driving under the influence of alcohol controlled substances or drugs May according to Marion County Court records She was disclosed from jail after posting a personal recognizance bond of Retton was nicknamed America s sweetheart during her gold medal-winning performance at the Summer Games in Los Angeles She was just when she scored perfect s in the floor exercise and vault in the final two rotations to become the first American woman to win the Olympic all-around title She earned five medals that year one gold two silver and two bronze After she retired from gymnastics Retton became a motivational speaker and frequently shared messages about the benefits of proper nutrition and exercise She also served on the President s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports under former President George W Bush Retton was diagnosed with a rare form of pneumonia in and her family reported at the time she was fighting for her life She was admitted to an intensive care unit as doctors helped her fight the illness This is serious and this is life and I m so grateful to be here she disclosed on NBC s This day in I am privileged to be here because there was a time when they were about to put me on life promotion Follow Fox News Digital s sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter
