Tiger Woods pleads not guilty to DUI after Florida crash and announces he is stepping away from golf
The 15-time major winner is stepping away from golf as he prepares for a legal battle after his arrest in Florida.
Tiger Woods says he will take time away from golf and his business pursuits to “seek treatment” after he was arrested and charged with DUI last Friday.
The five-time Masters champion released a statement via social media on Tuesday (local time) saying he needs to make his health the “focus” as he prepares to fight the charges against him in a Florida court.
“I know and understand the serious of the situation I find myself in today,” the statement said.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.“I am stepping away for a period of time to seek treatment and focus on my health. This is necessary for me to prioritize my well-being and work toward lasting recovery.
“I’m committed to taking the time needed to return in a healthier, stronger and more focused place both personally and professionally.
“I appreciate your understanding and support, and ask for privacy for my family, loved ones and myself at the time,” the statement concluded.
The announcement came hours after the world sporting superstar pleaded not guilty to a DUI charge and requested the matter be taken to a jury trial.
Woods, was charged after crashing his car on Jupiter Island, waived his arraignment, and his legal team requested a full trial over the matter.
Police arrived at the crash scene, and Woods, who was standing on the side of the road near his upturned vehicle, said he was checking his phone while driving and had not seen a truck slow down in front of him before the incident occurred.
According to a probable cause affidavit obtained on Tuesday, Woods had two hydrocodone pills in his pocket and officers observed him to be lethargic, slow, “sweating profusely” with eyes that were bloodshot, glassy and pupils that were “extremely dilated”.
Following the crash, police charged Woods with driving under the influence with property damage and refusing to submit to a blood alcohol level (BAL) test after he hit the truck and rolled his Land Rover.
Deputies found two white pills, which were identified as the opioid hydrocodone used to treat pain, in his pocket, the report said.
When asked during the criminal DUI investigation if he took any prescription medication, Reuters reports the 50-year-old golfer replied “I take a few”, while adding he had done so earlier in the morning.
The officer at the scene said they saw Woods “limping and stumbling” and added that the golfer told him he had had seven back surgeries and over 20 operations on his leg.
The 15-time major winner was released on bail and no one was injured in the crash.
Police also noted in the report that Woods was “extremely alert and talkative” and had “hiccups during the entire investigation.”
Woods, who said last Tuesday he was hoping to be ready to compete in the Masters from April 9, told the officer he has a limp and that his ankle seizes while walking.
The deputy who walked Woods through a series of field sobriety tests said in the report that based on his training: “I believed that Woods normal faculties were impaired, and he was unable to safely operate the motor vehicle.”
