Tiger Woods Pleads Not Guilty to DUI Charge After Florida Car Crash
Golfing icon Tiger Woods has entered a formal plea of not guilty to a charge of driving under the influence, following a serious car accident in Florida last Friday. The 15-time major champion was arrested and detained for eight hours before being released on bail.
Details of the Incident and Arrest
According to official court documents from Martin County, Woods formally skipped his initial court appearance on Tuesday. However, his legal team submitted a written not guilty plea on his behalf and demanded a jury trial. The incident occurred when Woods' Land Rover rolled over after colliding with a pick-up truck towing a trailer, which he was attempting to overtake.
A police affidavit released earlier provided disturbing details about Woods' condition at the scene. Officers reported that he was "sweating profusely" and appeared "lethargic and slow" with eyes that were "bloodshot and glassy." Woods admitted to authorities that he "was looking down at his cell phone and changing the radio station" moments before the crash and "did not notice the vehicle in front of him had slowed down."
Sobriety Tests and Medication Discovery
While the 50-year-old golf legend passed a breathalyser test for alcohol, Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek confirmed that Woods refused to submit to a urinary test for drugs. Woods told investigators he had not consumed any alcohol but admitted taking "a few" prescription medications earlier that morning, while insisting he had not taken any illegal substances.
During the investigation, Woods was observed to be "extremely alert and talkative" and had "hiccups during the entire investigation." Multiple sobriety exercises were conducted, during which he struggled to follow instructions. A deputy concluded: "How he performed on the exercises and based on my training, knowledge and experience, I believe Woods' normal faculties were impaired and he was unable to safely operate the motor vehicle."
Investigators searching Woods' vehicle discovered two white pills, later identified as hydrocodone - a prescription opioid used to treat severe pain. Woods was also charged with property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test.
Previous Incidents and Health Background
This is not Woods' first encounter with DUI-related charges. In 2017, he was arrested on suspicion of DUI offences after being found asleep at the wheel of his car in Jupiter, Florida. He later pleaded guilty to reckless driving after tests revealed five prescription drugs in his system at the time.
The golf champion has a significant medical history, having undergone emergency surgery after suffering multiple leg injuries in a serious California car accident in February 2021. The recent police affidavit noted that Woods said he had undergone 20 surgeries on his leg as a result of that crash, plus seven operations on his back. Officers also observed that Woods was "limping and stumbling" during their investigation.
The driver of the other vehicle involved in last week's crash, who had been slowing to turn into a driveway off the two-lane road, was fortunately uninjured.
Recent Competitive Return and Future Plans
This latest incident comes just days after Woods returned to competitive action for the first time in over a year. He participated in the final night of play in the indoor TGL competition last Tuesday. Following that appearance, Woods had expressed hope that he would be fit enough to compete at the Masters tournament next month.
The 2009 incident where Woods crashed his car into a fire hydrant and tree outside his home marked the beginning of a dramatic unravelling of his private life that became international news. Now, with this latest legal challenge, the golf legend faces another significant hurdle as he attempts to maintain his competitive career while dealing with ongoing health and legal issues.
