Tiger Woods breaks silence on ‘serious’ DUI arrest and car crash with statement
Tiger Woods has now broken his silence on his DUI arrest last week with a new social media statement.
The crash happened in Jupiter Island, Florida, last Friday (27 March), when Woods tried to overtake a truck and trailer at speed.
The 50-year-old golfer reportedly clipped the back of the tow vehicle, sending his SUV over before it came to rest on its side. After climbing out through the passenger window, officers say he refused to give a urine sample.
Police reports state Woods recorded 'triple zeros' on a breathalyser at the scene, suggesting there was no alcohol in his system at the time.
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He was charged with driving under the influence, property damage, and refusing to submit to a lawful test.
Woods was arrested and spent eight hours in jail on Friday before being bailed
A mugshot released by officers shows Woods with noticeably bloodshot eyes.
Martin County court documents showed Woods formally skipped the initial court appearance on Tuesday but entered a written plea of not guilty via his lawyers and demanded a jury trial.
According to a police affidavit released earlier, per PA, Woods was observed by the investigating officers to be 'sweating profusely' while acting 'lethargic and slow' with eyes that were 'bloodshot and glassy'.
He admitted he 'was looking down at his cell phone and changing the radio station' in the moments before the crash and 'did not notice the vehicle in front of him had slowed down'.
Woods told the authorities he had not consumed any alcohol but admitted he takes 'a few' prescription medications and had done so earlier in the morning while insisting he had not had any illegal drugs.
Woods was observed to be 'extremely alert and talkative' and had 'hiccups during the entire investigation'.
Multiple sobriety exercises were conducted, where he struggled to follow instructions, leading a deputy to conclude: "How he performed on the exercises and based on my training, knowledge and experience, I believe Woods' normal faculties were impaired and he was unable to safely operate the motor vehicle."
During a search of his vehicle, investigators found two white pills, which were identified as hydrocodone, a prescription opioid used to treat severe pain.
The driver of the other vehicle, who had been slowing to turn into a driveway off the two-lane road, was also uninjured.
Tiger Woods' statement
Woods has since taken to social media to release a statement on the matter.
He took to X on Tuesday (31 March), to share the text image statement, which acknowledged the 'seriousness' of last week's incident.
The statement began: "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 prioritise my well-being and work toward lasting recovery."
It continued: "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."
He signed off the brief statement, 'Tiger'.
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 a tree outside his home in an incident that led to a spectacular unravelling of his private life.
Rhiannon Ingle