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Tiger Woods said he was “stepping aside 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 trying to overtake a truck at “high speed” and overturned the Land Rover he was driving in Florida on Friday.
His statement in full:
Woods said: “I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I am currently in.
“I am stepping down for a period of time to seek treatment and focus on my health.
“This is important so that I can prioritize my well-being and work towards a lasting recovery.
“I am committed to taking the time necessary to return to 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 was ‘slow and lethargic’ after crash
The golfer’s plea of innocence was confirmed in court documents in Martin County, Florida, as details of his arrest were released in a sheriff’s report.
The Martin County Sheriff’s Office incident report said Woods had hydrocodone pills – used to treat pain – in his pocket and his eyes were bloodshot at the scene of the crash.
That illustrates Forest’ his movements were slow and sluggish when speaking with deputies at the scene.
The report also said Woods, 50, appeared to be sweating while talking to deputies, his eyes appeared glassy, and his pupils were dilated.
When asked by a deputy if he was taking any prescription medication, Woods said: “I was taking a little bit of it.”
The 15-time major winner also told deputies he had taken prescription medication that morning.
Accident location. Photo: Martin County Sheriff’s Office via AP
Woods said he was looking at his cell phone and fiddling with the radio before he crashed into the truck in front of him, the report said.
The crash occurred on a beachfront, residential street on Jupiter Island when the Land Rover struck the truck and rolled onto 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 refused a urine test, authorities said.
During a field sobriety test, deputies noticed Woods was limping, and he was wearing a compression sock on his right knee. He explained that he had undergone seven back operations and more than 20 foot operations and that his ankles felt stiff when walking.
‘Normal abilities impaired’
The golfer hiccuped during the interrogation and constantly moved his head during one of the sobriety tests.
Deputies had to instruct him several times to keep his head up, the report said.
“Based on my observations of Woods, how he performed the exercises and based on my training, knowledge and experience, I believe Woods’ normal abilities are impaired, and he is unable to safely operate a motor vehicle,” the deputy wrote.
Woods was arrested and released on bail eight hours later.
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Woods was also charged with property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test.
The truck, which was pulling a pressure cleaning trailer, sustained $5,000 worth of damage, the sheriff’s report said.
Woods has been involved in other accidents over the years, the last of which occurred in February 2021, leaving him with serious foot and ankle injuries.
Woods is scheduled for an arraignment April 23.
The PGA said he had its “full support” as he stepped away from the public spotlight, and described him as “a legend of our sport whose influence goes far beyond his achievements on the field”.
“But above all, Tiger is human, and our focus is on his health and well-being,” he added.
