Tiger Woods pleads not guilty to DUI in Florida crash, demands trial by jury

Pro golfer Tiger Woods has pleaded not guilty after he was arrested and charged with a DUI after he collided with another car in Florida that led to a rollover. He has waived his arraignment and demanded that he get a trial by jury.

On Friday, Woods was involved in a car crash that led to a rollover near his home in Florida. After the crash took place, he was arrested by police on charges of driving under the influence, property damage, and refusing to take a blood alcohol test.

Police said in an affidavit obtained by Fox News that the Martin County Sheriff’s Office’s deputies noted multiple signs that Woods was driving under the influence. The pro golfer was "sweating profusely” and had “lethargic and slow” body motions at times, police said. His eyes "bloodshot and glassy" as well as "extremely dilated" after he took off his sunglasses.  

Woods said that he had been distracted before the crash occurred. "Woods stated he was looking down at his cell phone and changing the radio station and did not notice the vehicle in front of him slowing down," police said in their report. They also found "two white pills inside woods’ left side pant pocket” which were later identified as hydrocodone.

Woods told authorities that he took “a few” prescriptions and that he had several back surgeries. During the field sobriety test, Woods said he had undergone "over 20 operations on his leg."

When he was booked into Martin County Jail, Woods had a 0.00 on a breathalyzer test but refused a urine sample. The Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek said Woods was going a "a high rate of speed" when the incident took place.

This is the second DUI arrest for Woods in the last decade. In 2017, he was taken into custody after falling asleep behind the wheel at 3am. He had been taking prescription drugs at the time.

A 2021 rollover crash also resulted in a serious leg injury for the golfer. Teammate Kevin Kisner said he had concerns for Woods after the most recent incident.

"Very disturbing. He was really working hard on his game, trying to practice and get back in shape," Kisner said, via Fried Egg Golf. "He signed up for the U.S. Senior Open yesterday. He was trying to do anything he could to come back and try and help our TGL team, get ready, hopefully try and play the Masters.”

Woods said in a statement, "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. I'm committed to taking the time needed to return in a healthier, stronger, and more focused place, both personally and professionally. I appreciate your understanding and support, and ask for privacy for my family, loved ones and myself at this time."