Tiger Woods has said he is “stepping away 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 he attempted to overtake a truck at “high speeds” and rolled 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 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 prioritise 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.”
Florida sheriff gives update on Woods crash and arrest
Woods ‘slow and lethargic’ after crash
The golfer’s not-guilty plea 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 bloodshot eyes at the scene of his crash.
It described Woods’ movements as slow and lethargic when speaking to deputies at the scene.
The report also said Woods, 50, appeared to be sweating as he spoke to deputies, his eyes looked glassy, and his pupils were dilated.
When asked by a deputy if he took any prescription medications, Woods said: “I take a few.”
The 15-time major winner also told deputies he had taken prescription drugs earlier that morning.
Woods said he had been looking at his phone and fiddling with the radio before he clipped the truck in front of him, the report said.
The crash occurred on a beachside, residential road in Jupiter Island when the Land Rover clipped 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 limping, and he had a compression sock over his right knee. He explained he’d had seven back surgeries and over 20 leg operations and that his ankle seizes up when walking.
Trump reacts to news of Tiger Woods’ crash
‘Normal faculties were impaired’
The golfer was hiccupping during the questioning and continuously moved his head during one of the sobriety tests.
Deputies had to instruct him several times to keep his head straight, the report said.
“Based on my observations of Woods, how he performed the exercises and based on my training, knowledge, and experience, I believed that Woods’ normal faculties were impaired, and he was unable to safely operate the motor vehicle,” the deputy wrote.
Woods was arrested and released on bail eight hours later.
Read more from Sky News:
Trump outraged over ballroom
BBC apologises over Scott Mills
Woods was also charged with property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test.
The truck, which was towing a pressure cleaner trailer, sustained $5,000 in damage, the sheriff’s report said.
Woods has been involved in other crashes over the years, with the most recent taking place in February 2021, leaving him with serious leg and ankle injuries.
Woods is scheduled for an arraignment hearing on 23 April.
The PGA said he has its “full support” as he steps away from the public eye, describing him as 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,” it added.