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Tiger Woods pleads not guilty to DUI after Florida crash, was found with opioid pills, now steps away from golf to seek treatment and focus on his health and recovery
Former world number one Tiger Woods was arrested on a charge of driving under the influence after his Land Rover rolled over on a two-lane road (AP)
Golf superstar Tiger Woods said Tuesday he is “stepping away” to seek treatment and focus on his health following his arrest last week in Florida on suspicion of driving under the influence.
Woods crashed his SUV into a trailer being towed by a pickup truck near his Jupiter Island home last Friday.
The 15-time major champion was assessed as impaired by officers at the scene and was found with opioid painkillers, but he has pleaded not guilty to DUI charges, telling authorities he was looking at his phone and changing radio channels.
“I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in today,” said Woods in a statement Tuesday.
“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.”
Woods, 50, previously suffered severe leg injuries in a single-car crash in California in 2021.
In the latest accident, Woods rolled his vehicle onto its side and was forced to exit through the passenger-side door. Neither he nor the truck driver was injured.
Woods was charged with suspicion of misdemeanour DUI with property damage and refusing to submit to a lawful test, after he declined to provide urine samples when a breathalyser test showed no alcohol in his system.
He posted bond and was released from the Martin County jail on Friday night.
Woods entered a not guilty plea in Martin Circuit Court, waived a planned arraignment, and has demanded a jury trial in the case.
What Police Report Say On Tiger Woods’ Accident?
In the accident report from the Martin County Sheriff’s Office, authorities said Woods “stated he was looking down at his cell phone and changing the radio station and did not notice the vehicle in front of him had slowed down.”
Sheriff’s deputies wrote that Woods was “sweating profusely” and that his movements were “lethargic and slow.” They noted his eyes were “bloodshot and glassy” and that he was “limping and stumbling to the right” as he walked.
Police said Woods was found with two hydrocodone pills, an opioid painkiller, and appeared unable to safely operate a vehicle when he was apprehended.
Regarding his medical condition, the report stated: “Woods advised he’s had seven back surgeries and over 20 operations on his leg… Woods advised he has a limp and his ankle seizes while walking.”
History Of Accident And Future In Golf
Woods underwent emergency surgery for multiple compound fractures in his right leg and a shattered ankle following his 2021 crash in California.
He returned to competition at the 2022 Masters, finishing 47th despite struggling simply to walk 72 holes at Augusta National.
Next week, Woods is scheduled to attend the Champions Dinner at Augusta National ahead of the 90th Masters.
Woods has not competed in a top-level golf event since the 2024 British Open. He suffered a ruptured left Achilles tendon in March 2025 and underwent back surgery last October.
(With inputs from Agencies)
April 01, 2026, 08:01 IST
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