Tiger Woods has broken his silence after he crashed his car in Jupiter Island, Florida on March 27. The pro golfer reportedly clipped a pickup truck with a trailer, which caused his Land Rover to flip onto its driver’s side. Tiger was able to escape from the car, and when authorities arrived on the scene, they reported that his eyes were “bloodshot and glassy” and that his behavior was “lethargic and slow”.
According to the affidavit released by the Martin County Sheriff’s Department, police allegedly found two white pills in Tiger’s pockets upon searching him, which were identified as hydrocodone – a strong painkiller and highly addictive opioid used to treat severe chronic pain. When asked if he was taking any prescription medication, he replied: “I take a few.”
The 50-year-old cleared his breathalyzer test, yet allegedly refused to submit to a urine test. Tiger told authorities that he was looking down at his phone while changing the music in his car when the truck ahead of him slowed.
He was taken into custody after the incident occurred and released from jail around 11 p.m. that same night on bail. In the wake of the crash, Tiger has pleaded not guilty to the DUI charge and the charge of failing to submit to a DUI test.
He entered the plea on Tuesday after reportedly waiving his arraignment and requesting a jury trial. He will appear in court on the morning of April 23 to plead his case, alongside his lawyer, Attorney Douglas Duncan, who represented Tiger in 2017 in his reckless driving case.
The star broke his silence on Tuesday evening via X, where he released a statement regarding the March 27 incident. “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,” he began.
© Getty Images“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.”
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The Professional Golfers’ Association Tour and its CEO, Brian Rolapp, also released statements in the wake of Tiger’s personal struggle. “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,” said the PGA statement.
© Getty ImagesBrian added: “Tiger Woods is one of the most influential figures the sports world has ever known. Over the last year, I have come to deeply appreciate Tiger not only for his impact on the game, but for his friendship and the perspective he has shared with me as I joined the golf industry. My thoughts are with him and his family as he takes this step, for which he has my full respect and support.”
© TGL via Getty ImagesThis latest crash marks the fourth time that Tiger has been involved in a car-related incident. The first, occurring in November 2009, saw Tiger crash his Cadillac into a fire hydrant and a tree in Windermere, Florida. The accident came two days after his serial infidelity during his marriage to Swedish model Elin Nordegren was exposed.
In May 2017, Tiger was found asleep at the wheel of his Mercedes-Benz in Jupiter, Florida, with several prescription drugs in his system at the time following back surgery. He pleaded guilty to reckless driving and completed a DUI diversion program.
© Los Angeles Times via Getty ImagThe father of two was then involved in a high-speed crash in February 2021 in Rancho Palos Verdes, California, when he was found to be driving more than double the speed limit. He suffered extensive injuries, including to his right leg and ankle.
© The Washington Post via Getty ImDonald Trump spoke out in support of Tiger on Tuesday in light of the crash, with the pair sharing a years-long friendship. The athlete is also currently dating Vanessa Trump, the ex-wife of Donald’s eldest son, Donald Trump Jr. “I think he’s doing great, he’s doing good,” the politician told The New York Post. “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.”
© Getty Images“He lives a life of pain. He has a lot of pain,” Donald continued. “He’s an amazing guy. He’s an amazing athlete. He does have pain.” Prior to the crash, Tiger got candid about living with chronic pain after undergoing several surgeries on his back and leg in recent years.
“This body…it doesn’t recover like it did when it was 24, 25,” he said during a press conference on March 24. “It doesn’t mean I’m not trying. I’ve been trying for a while. I’ve had a couple bad injuries here over the past years that I’ve had to fight through, and it’s taken some time. But I keep trying.”
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