Golf legend Tiger Woods has pleaded not guilty to a driving under the influence charge following a car crash in Florida, according to court records filed in Martin County on Tuesday.
The 50-year-old golfer submitted a written plea through the court’s online system and indicated he plans to waive his appearance at an arraignment hearing scheduled for April 23.
The development came hours after the Martin County Sheriff’s Office released an arrest report detailing the circumstances surrounding the crash. According to deputies, Woods showed signs of impairment when they arrived at the scene and had opioid pain medication in his pocket.
The report states that Woods’ eyes appeared bloodshot and glassy, his pupils were dilated, and his movements were slow and lethargic while speaking with officers. Deputies also noted that he was sweating and admitted to taking prescription medication earlier in the morning.
Authorities discovered two white pills in Woods’ pocket during the investigation, which were later identified as hydrocodone, an opioid commonly prescribed for pain management.
When deputies asked if he had taken prescription medications, Woods reportedly responded, “I take a few.”
Investigators said Woods told officers he had been looking at his phone and adjusting the radio before his Land Rover clipped a truck in front of him while driving along a beachside residential road on Jupiter Island. The collision caused Woods’ vehicle to roll onto its side.
The truck involved in the incident sustained approximately $5,000 in damage, according to the sheriff’s report.
The truck driver and another individual assisted Woods out of the overturned vehicle. Neither Woods nor the driver of the truck sustained injuries.
During a field sobriety test conducted at the scene, deputies observed that Woods appeared to be limping and was wearing a compression sock on his right knee. Woods explained that he has undergone seven back surgeries and more than 20 procedures on his leg, adding that his ankle sometimes locks while walking.
The report also noted that Woods was hiccupping during questioning and repeatedly moved his head during one of the sobriety tests despite being instructed to keep it still.
Based on the observations and performance during the tests, a deputy concluded that Woods’ normal faculties appeared impaired and that he was unable to safely operate a motor vehicle.
Woods agreed to take a Breathalyzer test, which showed no presence of alcohol. However, authorities say he refused a urine test. Under a change to Florida law enacted last year, refusing a breath, blood, or urine test requested by law enforcement is considered a misdemeanor, even for a first offense.
The golfer was arrested and later released on bail about eight hours after the crash.
Woods’ attorney, Douglas Duncan, has not responded to requests for comment following the filing of the not guilty plea. His longtime agent at Excel Sports Management, Mark Steinberg, and representatives from the PGA Tour have also not publicly commented on the case.
One of the most influential figures in golf history, Woods rose to global prominence after becoming the first golfer of Black heritage to win the Masters in 1997. Over the course of his career, he has set numerous records and remains one of the sport’s most recognizable athletes.
However, injuries have significantly affected his career in recent years. In 2021, Woods was involved in a serious car accident that left his right leg severely damaged, at one point prompting doctors to consider amputation.
Authorities have charged Woods with driving under the influence with property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test. He is expected to face the charges during the scheduled arraignment later this month.
