AP Photo/Patrick Semansky

BALTIMORE – When the Ray Lewis statue was unveiled outside M&T Bank Stadium in September, Olympic swimming star Michael Phelps was there to salute his friend and former Baltimore Ravens linebacker.

Friday, Lewis was in the courtroom in a show of support for Phelps as he entered a guilty plea to driving under the influence and was sentenced to 18 months of supervised probation.

Lewis sat in a wooden bench row with Phelps’ mother, Debbie. Lewis gave her a kiss on the cheek before the proceeding as Phelps sat in the row in front of them, awaiting his turn In Baltimore City District Court.

Lewis was not available afterward, but during his statue unveiling earlier this year, he singled out Phelps in the crowd.

AP Photo/Patrick Semansky

“A warrior from every level, I love you to death Michael Phelps,” Lewis said.

Outside the courthouse Friday, Phelps’ attorney, Steve Allen, thanked Lewis for coming.

“Mr. Lewis and Mr. Phelps are very close friends,” said Allen.

“Mr. Phelps appreciated the support of Mr. Lewis by being here today. They speak frequently, and it really speaks highly of Ray Lewis that he would come here in support of his close friend.”

In 2001, Lewis pleaded guilty to a reduced, misdemeanor charge of obstruction of justice and was placed on 12 months probation. The charge stemmed from two stabbing deaths outside an Atlanta night club following the Super Bowl. Lewis was originally charged with two counts of murder, but those charges were dropped.

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