Tiger Woods Pleads Not Guilty to DUI Charges Following Rollover Crash
Tiger Woods has formally entered a not guilty plea in his Florida driving under the influence case, just hours after a sheriff's report revealed disturbing details about his condition at the scene of last week's crash. The online court docket for Martin County, Florida, confirms that Woods submitted a written plea of not guilty and intends to waive his appearance at an arraignment hearing scheduled for next month.
Sheriff's Report Details Signs of Impairment
According to the arrest report released by the Martin County Sheriff's Office, Woods exhibited multiple signs of impairment when questioned by deputies. He had bloodshot and glassy eyes, dilated pupils, and was found with opioid pills in his pocket. His movements were described as slow and lethargic, and he was sweating while speaking to officers. Woods admitted to taking prescription medication earlier that morning.
Deputies identified two white pills in his pocket as hydrocodone, an opioid used to treat pain. When asked if he took any prescription medications, Woods replied, "I take a few." The golfer reportedly told deputies he had been distracted by his phone and adjusting the radio before his vehicle clipped a truck in front of him.
High-Speed Crash on Jupiter Island
The incident occurred on a beachside, residential road on Jupiter Island where Woods was traveling at high speeds. His Land Rover clipped a truck and rolled onto its side, causing approximately $5,000 in damage to the truck. The truck driver and another person helped Woods out of his vehicle, with the golfer needing to climb out from the passenger side. Fortunately, neither Woods nor the truck driver sustained injuries.
During field sobriety tests, deputies noticed Woods limping and wearing a compression sock over his right knee. The golfer explained he had undergone seven back surgeries and over 20 leg operations, noting that his ankle seizes up while walking. Woods was hiccupping during questioning and continuously moved his head during one sobriety test, requiring deputies to instruct him several times to keep his head straight.
Legal Proceedings and Charges
Woods agreed to a Breathalyzer test that showed no signs of alcohol but refused a urine test, according to authorities. He was arrested and released on bail eight hours later. The 50-year-old golf legend is charged with driving under the influence with property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test. Under a recent change to Florida law, refusing a law enforcement officer's request to take a breath, blood, or urine test is now a misdemeanor, even for a first offense.
Woods is scheduled for arraignment on April 23, though online court records do not list an attorney for him. No one from Woods' camp or the PGA Tour—where he serves on the board and chairs the committee reshaping the competition model—has commented since his arrest.
Woods' History and Legacy
Tiger Woods remains the most influential figure in golf and one of the most recognizable athletes worldwide. As the first person of Black heritage to win the Masters in 1997, he has captivated fans with records that may never be broken. However, his career has been marred by injuries, including those from a 2021 car crash that damaged his right leg so severely that doctors considered amputation.
This latest crash adds to Woods' history of vehicular incidents over the years. His agent at Excel Sports, Mark Steinberg, has not responded to multiple messages seeking comment on the case.
