Tiger Woods Announces Treatment Break After DUI Charge and Not Guilty Plea
Golf icon Tiger Woods has declared he is "stepping away for a period of time to seek treatment" in the wake of being charged with driving under the influence. The 15-time major winner made this announcement via a social media statement after entering a not guilty plea earlier on Tuesday. This development follows a car crash in Florida last week, where Woods attempted to overtake a truck at high speeds, resulting in his Land Rover rolling onto its side.
Details of the Incident and Arrest
According to court documents from Martin County, Florida, Woods pleaded not guilty to the charges. The Martin County Sheriff's Office incident report provided further insights, noting that Woods had hydrocodone pills in his pocket and exhibited bloodshot eyes at the crash scene. Deputies described his movements as slow and lethargic during their interaction.
The report detailed that Woods appeared sweaty, with glassy eyes and dilated pupils. When questioned about prescription medications, he admitted to taking "a few" and confirmed he had used prescription drugs earlier that morning. Woods attributed the crash to distractions, stating he was looking at his phone and adjusting the radio before clipping the truck ahead of him.
Legal Proceedings and Sobriety Tests
During the investigation, Woods consented to a breathalyser test, which showed no alcohol presence, but he refused a urine test. A field sobriety test revealed Woods limping, with a compression sock on his right knee—a result of numerous back and leg surgeries, as he explained to deputies. The report noted that Woods was hiccupping and had difficulty maintaining head position during the test, leading deputies to conclude his "normal faculties were impaired."
Woods was arrested and released on bail after eight hours. In addition to the DUI charge, he faces counts of property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test. The truck involved sustained an estimated $5,000 in damage.
Woods' Statement and Future Plans
In his full statement, Woods expressed awareness of the situation's gravity: "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." He emphasized his commitment to returning healthier and stronger, both personally and professionally, while requesting privacy for his family and loved ones.
This incident adds to Woods' history of crashes, with a previous serious accident in February 2021 causing significant leg and ankle injuries. Under new Florida laws, refusing a breath, blood, or urine test is now a misdemeanor, even for first-time offenders. Woods is scheduled for an arraignment hearing on April 23.
