A video has surfaced regarding the DUI arrest of Olympic gold medalist Mary Lou Retton on May 17th. The former gymnastics champion expressed disbelief at failing an outdoor sobriety test administered by a police officer.
Retton was taken into custody in May, facing charges related to driving under the influence of alcohol and controlled substances, as detailed in records from Marion County Court. She was later released after posting a $1,500 bond.
Earlier in the week, her pre-order photos became public, and now footage of her arrest has also been shared.
In the released video, Retton appears to have difficulty complying with the instructions during the outdoor sobriety test. There are moments where she is seen wearing oxygen tubes while attempting the test.
Since suffering from a rare type of pneumonia in 2023, Retton has been dealing with ongoing health issues.
The officer inquired about her driver’s license, to which she replied that she had a passport, mentioning her driver’s license was in Texas.
He quickly informed her that she had failed all sobriety tests conducted. Her reaction was one of disbelief.
“What do you mean?!” she exclaimed upon learning she failed.
“You didn’t pass all the fields, ma’am,” the officer reiterated.
“That’s not true!” she protested vehemently.
Retton also declined to take a sobriety test during her arrest.
Later, she issued a statement acknowledging the impact of her actions and expressed remorse.
“I take full responsibility for what occurred,” Retton conveyed through her attorney, Edmund J. Rollo. “What happened is entirely unacceptable. I don’t offer any excuses. I apologize to my family, friends, and fans for letting you down.”
“I am committed to learning and growing from this ordeal and aim to implement positive changes in my life. I genuinely appreciate your support, concern, and encouragement during this time.”
She entered an uncontested plea, resulting in a $100 fine from a Marion County judge.
In 1984, Retton became a celebrated figure in American gymnastics, being the first American woman to clinch an Olympic All-Around title, achieving perfect scores in the floor exercise and vault at just 16 years of age.
