MIAMI, Florida — Golf superstar Tiger Woods said Tuesday (Wednesday in Manila) he was “stepping away” to seek treatment and focus on his health after his arrest last week in Florida for driving under the influence.
Woods crashed his SUV into a trailer being pulled by a pickup truck near his Jupiter Island home last Friday.
The 15-time major champion was assessed to be impaired by officers at the scene, and had opioid painkillers with him, but has pleaded not guilty to DUI charges, telling authorities he was looking at his phone and changing radio channels.
“I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in today,” said Woods in a statement on Tuesday.“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.”
Woods, 50, had previously suffered severe leg injuries in a 2021 single-car crash in California.
During the latest accident, Woods rolled his vehicle onto its side and was forced to exit from the passenger’s side door. Neither he nor the truck driver were injured.
Woods was charged with suspicion of misdemeanor DUI with property damage and refusing to submit to a lawful test when he would not submit to urine tests after a breathalyzer test showed no alcohol in his system.
Woods posted bond and was released from the Martin County jail on Friday night.
He entered a not guilty plea in Martin Circuit Court. Woods waived a planned arraignment and has demanded a jury trial in the matter.
In the accident report from the Martin County Sheriff’s Office, authorities said Woods ”stated he was looking down at his cell phone and changing the radio station, and did not notice the vehicle in front of him had slowed down.”
Sheriff’s deputies said in the report that Woods was observed “sweating profusely” and described his movements as “lethargic and slow,” noting his eyes were “bloodshot and glassy,” and he was “limping and stumbling to the right” while walking.
Police said in the report that Woods was found with two hydrocodone pills, an opioid painkiller, and appeared unable to safely drive a vehicle when he was apprehended.
