Tiger Woods said Tuesday he’s stepping away to seek treatment, days after his SUV crash in Florida led to his arrest on suspicion of driving under the influence.
“This is necessary in order for me to prioritize my well-being and work toward lasting recovery,” Woods wrote on X.
Woods entered a written not guilty plea in Martin County, Florida, the same day a sheriff’s report revealed he had pain pills in his pocket and showed signs of impairment at the crash scene last week. Court records indicate he’ll waive his appearance at next month’s arraignment.
According to the arrest report, Woods had bloodshot, glassy eyes and dilated pupils when deputies interviewed him. He was sweating during questioning and admitted taking prescription medication earlier that morning. Deputies found two white pills in his pocket, identified as hydrocodone, an opioid pain medication.
When asked about prescription medications, Woods simply stated, “I take a few.”
Woods’ defense attorney, Douglas Duncan, hasn’t responded to requests for comment. His agent at Excel Sports, Mark Steinberg, has also remained silent on the matter.
The crash occurred on a beachside residential road on Jupiter Island. Woods’ Land Rover reportedly clipped a truck while traveling at high speeds before rolling onto its side. The truck sustained about $5,000 in damage.
The truck driver and another person helped Woods escape through the passenger side. Neither Woods nor the truck driver were injured.
During field sobriety testing, deputies noted Woods was limping and wearing a compression sock over his right knee. He explained he’d undergone seven back surgeries and more than 20 leg operations, and that his ankle “seizes up” while walking. The report mentions Woods was hiccupping during questioning and repeatedly moved his head during one test despite instructions to keep it still.
“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, 50, remains golf’s most influential figure. As the first person of Black heritage to win the Masters in 1997, he’s captivated fans worldwide with nearly unbreakable records. But injuries have limited his achievements, particularly those from a 2021 car crash that damaged his right leg so severely that doctors considered amputation.
At the scene of this latest crash, Woods agreed to a Breathalyzer test that showed no alcohol, but he refused a urine test. He was arrested and released on bail eight hours later.
Woods faces charges of driving under the influence with property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test. His arraignment is scheduled for April 23.
Under Florida law revised last year, refusing an officer’s request for breath, blood or urine testing is now a misdemeanor, even for first-time offenders.
