Tiger Woods pleaded not guilty to misdemeanor charges on Tuesday (March 31) after a rollover crash in in Jupiter Island, Florida, last week, according to court documents filed in Martin County Circuit Court and obtained by Rolling Stone.
Woods was charged with driving under the influence, property damage, and refusal to submit to a lawful urinalysis test in relation to the incident, which occurred on Friday, March 27. Attorney Douglas Duncan of West Palm Beach submitted Woods’ not guilty plea and demand for a jury trial. The lawyer said Woods also waived his arraignment hearing, which had been set for April 23.
Duncan did not immediately respond to a request for comment. He is the same lawyer who represented the golf great following his DUI arrest in 2017.
Woods has also announced on social media that he was seeking treatment. “I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in today,” Woods wrote in a statement posted on X Tuesday. “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.”
He continued, “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.”
Earlier on Tuesday, details emerged in the rollover car crash and Woods’ latest DUI arrest. According to an arrest affidavit released by the Martin County Sheriff’s Office, per The Athletic, following the collision, Woods allegedly told police that he had looked down at his phone while changing the radio station in his Range Rover just before crashing into a trailer being pulled by a Ford F-150. The impact of the collision caused Woods’ vehicle to roll onto its driver’s side, leaving him pinned in his vehicle before being assisted by the driver of the Ford truck and another bystander. Neither Woods nor the other driver sustained serious injuries.
Two hydrocodone pills were allegedly found in Woods’ pants pocket and he admitted to “taking a few” when questioned about his usage of prescription medicines. Woods complied with field sobriety exercises but reportedly needed repeated instruction. He insisted that he was not under the influence of alcohol, a claim which was backed up by the results of a breathalyzer test he underwent.
