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New details have emerged surrounding Tiger Woods’ rollover accident and subsequent DUI arrest in Florida, painting a clearer – albeit disturbing – picture of the circumstances and another Opening a chapter in the golf legend’s ongoing personal difficulties.
As The Athletic reports, citing an arrest affidavit released Tuesday morning (March 31) by the Martin County Sheriff’s Office, Woods was charged with drunken driving, criminal damage to property and refusing a lawfully ordered urine test. The incident occurred on Friday, March 27th.
After the accident, Woods told police he was checking his cell phone while trying to change the radio station in his Range Rover shortly before the collision and collided with a trailer being towed by a Ford F-150. The force of the impact caused Woods’ vehicle to roll over onto its driver’s side; He was trapped in the car and had to be freed by the driver of the Ford truck and another witness.
Hydrocodone and breath alcohol
Arriving officers described Woods’ condition as “lethargic” and noted other concerning behavior. He was allegedly found with two hydrocodone tablets in his pants pocket; When asked about his use of prescription medications, he admitted to taking “a few.”
Hydrocodone, better known by the trade name Vicodin, is an opioid pain reliever prescribed for moderate to severe pain. Side effects include drowsiness, confusion, incoordination and slowed breathing – factors that can significantly impair the ability to drive.
Deputy Tatiana Levenar noted that Woods was “sweating profusely” even though it was cool in the vehicle. “Woods’ movements were sluggish and slow,” says the report cited by The Athletic. “While walking, I observed Woods limping and staggering to the right…I asked Woods if he was able to perform tasks such as walking and leg lifting. Woods stated he had a gait and his ankle was cramping while walking.”
Breath test negative, urine test refused
Woods endured the sobriety exercises, but is said to have needed repeated instructions. Since he refused the urine test, it remains unclear exactly what substances were in his blood at the time of his arrest. However, Woods maintained that he was not under the influence of alcohol – a statement that was confirmed by the results of a breath alcohol test.
Woods’ press representatives did not immediately respond to a request for comment from ROLLING STONE.
The incident joins a series of previous incidents involving drink-driving and battling addiction to painkillers – issues that have left lasting damage to Woods’ once-pristine public image. After several operations, he had already undergone treatment to overcome his addiction to painkillers.
Career and court date
Neither Woods nor the other driver suffered serious injuries.
Woods’ dominant golf career includes 15 major titles – only Jack Nicklaus has more – as well as 82 victories on the PGA Tour, making him a defining figure in the sport. But his personal escapades have increasingly overshadowed his legacy and public image.
Woods’ first court appearance in the matter is scheduled for April 23.
