Tiger Woods says he will be stepping away for a “period of time” to seek treatment and focus on his health after pleading not guilty to charges of driving under the influence following his involvement in a rollover car crash in Florida last week.
Woods was arrested and spent eight hours in jail before he was bailed after his Land Rover collided with a pick-up truck near his home on Friday. According to a police affidavit released earlier on Tuesday, Woods was observed by the investigating officers to be “sweating profusely” while acting “lethargic and slow” with eyes that were “bloodshot and glassy”.
Woods was found with two white pills in his vehicle, later identified as hydrocodone, a prescription opioid used to treat severe pain. He had told the police that he had not consumed any alcohol and passed a breathalyser test, but Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek said he refused to submit to a urinary test for drugs.
The 50-year-old Woods, a 15-time major champion, also admitted to “looking down at his cell phone and changing the radio station” in the moments before the crash and he told the police he “did not notice the vehicle in front of him had slowed down”.
“I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in today,” Woods said in his first public comments since the crash. “I am stepping away for a period of time to seek treatment and focus on my health. This is necessary in order 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 this time.”
Woods did not suffer any injuries in the crash, with the incident coming just days after the American had returned to competitive action in the TGL finals. He said afterwards that he hoped to appear at this month’s Masters, which begins at Augusta National on Thursday 9 April.
Earlier on Tuesday, Woods pleaded not guilty to DUI charges and requested a jury trial. According to Martin County court documents, Woods formally skipped the initial court appearance but entered a written plea of not guilty via his lawyers. His next court appearance was scheduled for 5 May, though he does not need to appear in person.
Woods underwent emergency surgery after suffering multiple leg injuries following a serious car accident in California in February 2021. The affidavit stated Woods said he had 20 surgeries on his leg as a result of that crash, plus seven operations on his back, while the report also noted Woods was “limping and stumbling”.
Woods was also arrested on suspicion of DUI offences in 2017 after being found asleep at the wheel of his car in Jupiter, Florida. He later pleaded guilty to reckless driving after it emerged he had had five prescription drugs in his system at the time.
In 2009 he crashed his car into a fire hydrant and tree outside his home in an incident that led to a spectacular unravelling of his private life.
Includes reporting from PA
