Tiger Woods says he will step away “for a period of time” to seek treatment after pleading not guilty in his DUI case tied to a Florida rollover crash, acknowledging the “seriousness” of the situation.
“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 prioritize my well-being and work toward lasting recovery.
“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.”
The PGA Tour also released a statement following Woods’ announcement:
“Tiger Woods is a legend of our sport whose impact extends far beyond his achievements on the course. But above all else, Tiger is a person, and our focus is on his health and well-being. Tiger continues to have our full support as he takes this important step.”
It comes just hours after Woods entered a not guilty plea in his latest DUI case, according to court records. He’s once again turned to prominent Florida defense attorney Douglas Duncan — the same lawyer who represented him after his 2017 arrest.
On Friday afternoon, Woods crashed his Range Rover near his Jupiter Island home while attempting to pass a truck towing a pressure cleaner. The vehicle flipped. He managed to crawl out, but responding officers said he appeared “lethargic” and possibly under the influence of medication or drugs.
He was charged with DUI, property damage, and refusal to submit to a lawful test, and spent roughly eight hours in jail.
“DUI investigators came to the scene here, and Mr. Woods did exemplify signs of impairment. They did several tests on him. Of course, he did explain the injuries and the surgeries that he had. We did take that into account, but they did do some in-depth roadside tests,” Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek said.
Deputies said Woods showed signs of impairment at the scene. A breath test later showed no alcohol in his system, shifting attention to whether another substance may have been involved.
“We really weren’t suspicious of alcohol being involved in this case, and that proved to be true at the jail. … But when it came time for us to ask for a urinalysis test, he refused. And, so, he’s been charged with DUI, with property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test,” Budensiek added.
President Donald Trump weighed in Tuesday, saying Woods is “doing great” despite suffering “a lot of pain.”
“He tested negative for alcohol, as you know, and he is under a tremendous physical pressure from his various ailments, you know, the back and the leg,” Trump told The New York Post. “He lives a life of pain. He has a lot of pain. He’s an amazing guy. He’s an amazing athlete. He does have pain.”
Trump has previously spoken about his close relationship with the 15-time major champion, who is dating Trump’s former daughter-in-law, Vanessa Trump. Vanessa is the ex-wife of Donald Trump Jr. and the mother of the president’s granddaughter, Kai, who committed to the University of Miami to play golf.
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