Golf star Tiger Woods said Tuesday that he is stepping down to undergo treatment and focus on his health after being arrested on driving under the influence (DUI) charges following his rollover car crash in Florida last week.
“I know and understand the gravity of the situation we find ourselves in today,” he said in a statement published on the social media platform X.
“I am taking some time away to receive treatment and focus on my health. This is necessary for me to prioritize my well-being and work toward lasting recovery.”
Tiger Woods declared himself innocent
Woods was driving his Land Rover last Friday when it collided with a pickup truck and overturned near his Jupiter Island home.
No injuries were reported in the incident, but the 50-year-old golfer was forced to exit his vehicle through the passenger side door.
Officers at the scene assessed him for impairment and found two opioid pain pills in his pocket.
Woods was charged with suspicion of misdemeanor DUI with damage to property and refusing to submit to a valid test.
He did not undergo a urine test after a breathalyzer test found no alcohol in his body.
He was released on bail later that night.
Earlier Tuesday, Martin County online court showed Woods had entered a written plea of not guilty and was planning to waive his April 23 hearing.
Woods is a 15-time major champion and is considered the greatest golfer of his generation.
No Masters for Tiger Woods – again
Woods’ decision to take time off means he will miss the Masters – home to the five-time champion – for the second consecutive year.
Fans were hoping to see the pro golfer play in the tournament from April 9 to 12.
Last week Woods returned to competitive golf at the indoor TGL Finals, which combines elements of simulated golf with the traditional game.
Woods said in his Tuesday statement that he is committed to taking the time needed to return to a “healthier, stronger and more focused place both personally and professionally.”
This will be the second time the golfer has taken leave after a car accident.
In 2009, his car crashed into a fire hydrant and tree outside his home near Orlando. He then announced a break to work on becoming a better person.
In another car accident in Los Angeles in 2021, Woods’ right leg was so severely damaged that he said doctors considered amputating the leg.
Report details Woods’ arrest
An accident report from the Martin County Sheriff’s Office says that during his field sobriety test on Friday, officers noticed Woods — who had compression socks on his right knee — limping.
Woods said he has had more than 20 surgeries on his right leg and that his ankle locks up when he walks, the report said.
According to the report, Woods told officers that he was looking at his phone and changing the radio station and did not realize that the truck in front of him had slowed down.
Officers also said he was lethargic, slow, “sweating profusely”, had bloodshot eyes, pupils “extremely dilated” and was hiccupping during questioning.
Edited by: Srinivas Majumdaru