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Phelps, USA Swimming talking about potential reinstatement in time for 2015 worlds

Action Images / Jason O'Brien

Michael Phelps could find himself back in the pool for USA Swimming this summer. 

As he nears the end of his six-month suspension from competition after his second drunk driving offense, Phelps is in talks with USA Swimming executive director Chuck Wielgus about a possible reinstatement, ESPN's Bonnie D. Ford and Wayne Drehs write.

Phelps, whose suspension ends April 6, was taken off the team heading to Kazan, Russia, for this summer's world championships due to his legal and personal troubles. 

"It's complicated, but there are ways in which it could happen," Wielgus said. "There's a pathway for things to be reconsidered - or considered." 

USA Swimming will review a potential reinstatement proposal and its executive committee will decide Phelps' fate.

"At this point, it's premature to discuss any specifics about next steps," spokesman Scott Leightman said.

Phelps plans on competing at the Arena Pro Swim Series in Arizona in mid-April. 

Tyler Clary, who took Phelps' spot in the 200 individual medley, said he'd give up his spot on the team if Phelps was allowed back on.

(Phelps is) vital. I don't see myself as being a competitor at his level in the 200 IM, and I don't have the same chance of getting a medal.

USA Swimming's six-month suspension was appropriate and strong enough to convey that USA Swimming doesn't condone that kind of behavior from any of its members. Removing Michael from the world championship team, however, will have a negative effect on our team, and taking the term of his punishment into consideration, the meet falls well outside of that time frame.

Phelps was booked on Sept. 30, 2014, after driving 84 mph in a 45 zone and failing a sobriety test. It was his second DUI offense in 10 years. 

He apologized and has been training in Baltimore. He announced his engagement to Nicole Johnson, a former Miss California, last month. 

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