3 days ago
Mary Lou Retton addresses May DUI arrest for first time
An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Mary Lou Retton and her daughter in an interview, Image 2 shows Mary Lou Retton at the 1984 Olympics
Olympic gymnastics great Mary Lou Retton spoke out for the first time over her arrest for driving under the influence back in May.
Retton, 57, took 'full responsibility' for what occurred in a statement released to People following her court appearance on Tuesday, where she entered a plea of no contest to a charge of non-aggravated DUI.
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She received a $100 fine related to the incident, which is standard for first-time, non-aggravated offenses in West Virginia, People reported.
Mary Lou Retton discusses her pneumonia hospitalization with Today in 2023. TODAY/NBC
'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,' Retton said in a statement released to the outlet through her lawyer.
'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 support.'
Retton was arrested on May 17 after police had pulled her over after she was driving 'all over the roadway,' court documents stated.
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A bottle of wine had been found in the passenger seat and Retton smelled of booze and slurred her words during the traffic stop, according to the documents stemming from the incident that occurred in Marion County.
Mary Lou Retton reacts to applause after her performance at the Summer Olympics in Los Angeles on Aug. 3, 1984. AP
Retton refused a blood alcohol test and failed three field sobriety tests.
Retton became a household name in 1984 for her gold medal performance in the Los Angeles Olympics for winning the individual all-around competition at the age of 16.
The American superstar made headlines in 2023 when she was hospitalized and in the ICU with a rare form of pneumonia, before recovering, but still relying on the help of oxygen.
Olympic gymnastics legend Mary Lou Retton was arrested on DUI charges in West Virginia. Go Fund Me
In an exclusive interview with The Post, Retton's ex-brother-in-law said that the physically demanding sport of gymnastics had taken its toll on her body.
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He revealed during the interview that Retton had been 'healing' since the arrest and was lying low in West Virginia.
Through her attorney, Retton asked 'for privacy as she moves forward with her personal and professional life.'
