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Tiger Woods pleaded not guilty on Tuesday (March 31) in a court document filed in Martin County Circuit Court and obtained by ROLLING STONE – after a rollover accident last week in Jupiter Island, Florida.
Woods was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI), criminal damage and refusing to provide a lawfully ordered urine sample. The incident occurred on Friday, March 27th. Attorney Douglas Duncan of West Palm Beach entered Woods’ innocence plea and requested a jury trial. Duncan also said Woods was foregoing his arraignment hearing, which was originally scheduled for April 23.
Duncan did not immediately respond to a request for comment from ROLLING STONE. He is the same attorney who represented the golf star after his DUI arrest in 2017.
Woods announces treatment
Woods announced on social media that he was seeking treatment. “I know and understand the gravity of the situation I find myself in today,” Woods wrote in a statement published on X on Tuesday. “I am withdrawing for a period of time to seek treatment and focus on my health. This is necessary to prioritize my well-being and work toward lasting recovery.”
He continued, “I am committed to taking the time I need to return to a healthier, stronger and more focused place – personally and professionally. I appreciate your understanding and support and ask for privacy for my family, loved ones and myself at this time.”
Also Tuesday, details emerged about the rollover accident and Woods’ recent DUI arrest. According to an arrest report released by the Martin County Sheriff’s Office and obtained by The Athletic, Woods told police after the crash that he was looking at his cell phone while trying to change the radio in his Range Rover just before the crash – and in doing so, he crashed into 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 his car until the driver of the Ford truck and another passerby came to his aid. Neither Woods nor the other driver suffered serious injuries.
Hydrocodone and field sobriety test
Two hydrocodone tablets were said to have been found in Woods’ pants pocket; When asked about his use of prescription medications, he admitted to taking “a few.” Woods completed field sobriety exercises but reportedly required repeated instructions. He insisted he was not under the influence of alcohol – a statement confirmed by the results of a breath alcohol test.
