Golf legend Tiger Woods announced on Tuesday that he is stepping away from the sport to seek treatment and focus on his health, four days after he was arrested on charges of driving under the influence (DUI) following a rollover car crash in Florida. The incident occurred last Friday near his Jupiter Island home, where his Land Rover SUV clipped a pickup truck and rolled onto its side. Although no injuries were reported, the 50-year-old golfer was forced to exit his vehicle through the passenger-side door.

Officers at the scene assessed Woods as impaired and found two opioid pain pills in his pocket. He was charged with suspicion of misdemeanor DUI with property damage and refusing to submit to a lawful test. After a breathalyzer test showed no alcohol in his system, Woods did not submit to urine tests. He was released on bail later that night. In a statement published on social media platform X, 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 prioritize my well-being and work toward lasting recovery."

According to the online court docket for Martin County, Woods has entered a written plea of not guilty and plans to waive his April 23 arraignment hearing. This marks the second time the golfer has taken a leave of absence following a car crash. In 2009, his car crashed into a fire hydrant and tree outside his Orlando-area home, leading him to announce a break to "work on being a better person." In 2021, another crash in Los Angeles severely damaged his right leg, with doctors reportedly considering amputation.

Woods' decision to take time away means he will miss the Masters tournament, where he is a five-time champion, for a second consecutive year. Fans had been hoping to see the pro golfer compete at the event scheduled from April 9 to 12. Last week, Woods made a return to competitive golf at the indoor TGL Finals, but he is now prioritizing his health, stating he is committed to returning in a "healthier, stronger, and more focused place, both personally and professionally."

During the field sobriety test on Friday, officers noted that Woods—who wore a compression sock on his right knee—was limping, according to an accident report from the Martin County Sheriff's Office. Woods explained he had undergone over 20 surgeries on his right leg and that his ankle seizes up while walking. The report also stated that he told authorities he was looking down at his phone and switching radio stations and did not realize the truck in front had slowed down. Authorities observed him as lethargic, slow, "sweating profusely," with bloodshot eyes, extremely dilated pupils, and hiccuping during questioning.

Source: www.dw.com