Tiger Woods has said he is “stepping away for a period of time to seek treatment” after being charged with driving under the influence.
The US golf legend released a statement on social media after pleading not guilty earlier on Tuesday.
He was charged after he attempted to overtake a truck at “high speeds” and rolled the Land Rover he was driving in Florida on Friday.
The golfer’s mugshot was released after his arrest. Pic: Martin County Sheriff’s Office
His statement in full:
Woods said: “I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in today.
“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 ‘slow and lethargic’ after crash
The golfer’s not guilty plea was confirmed in court documents in Martin County, Florida, and came after details of his arrest were released in a sheriff’s report.
The Martin County Sheriff’s Office incident report said Woods had hydrocodone pills in his pocket and bloodshot eyes at the scene of his car crash.
It described Woods’ movements as slow and lethargic when speaking to deputies at the scene of the crash.
Officers found two white pills, which were identified as the opioid hydrocodone, used to treat pain, in Woods’ pocket, the report said.
The report also said Woods, 50, appeared to be sweating as he spoke to deputies, his eyes looked glassy, and his pupils were dilated.
When asked by a deputy if he took any prescription medications, Woods said: “I take a few.”
The 15-time major winner also told deputies he had taken prescription drugs earlier that morning.
The crash scene. Pic: Martin County Sheriff’s Office via AP
Woods said he had been looking at his phone and fiddling with the radio before he clipped the truck in front of him, the report said.
The crash occurred on a beachside, residential road in Jupiter Island when the Land Rover clipped the truck and rolled on to its side, the sheriff’s office said.
Woods and the other driver did not report any injuries.
The golfer agreed to a breathalyser test that showed no signs of alcohol, but he refused a urine test, authorities said.
During a field sobriety test, deputies noticed Woods limping and that he had a compression sock over his right knee.
Woods explained he had undergone seven back surgeries and over 20 leg operations and that his ankle seizes up when walking.
‘Normal faculties were impaired’
The golfer was hiccupping during the questioning and continuously moved his head during one of the sobriety tests.
Deputies had to instruct him several times to keep his head straight, the report said.
“Based on my observations of Woods, how he performed the exercises and based on my training, knowledge, and experience, I believed that Woods’ normal faculties were impaired, and he was unable to safely operate the motor vehicle,” the deputy wrote.
Woods was arrested and released on bail eight hours later.
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In addition to driving under the influence, Woods was also charged with property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test.
The truck, which was towing a pressure cleaner trailer, sustained $5,000 in damage, the sheriff’s report said.
Woods has been involved in other crashes over the years, with the most recent taking place in February 2021, leaving him with serious leg and ankle injuries.
Woods is scheduled for an arraignment hearing on 23 April.
Under laws recently introduced in Florida, refusing a law enforcement officer’s request to take a breath, blood or urine test becomes a misdemeanour, even for a first offence.
