Tiger Woods has announced he is “stepping away for a period of time” to prioritise his wellbeing after his DUI car crash arrest last week.
Woods was involved in a rollover car crash in Jupiter Island, Florida last week when his SUV hit another vehicle before rolling onto the driver side where it remained in the middle of the street.
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The 50-year-old was forced to crawl out of his luxury SUV before emergency services arrived on the scene.
A breathalyser test came back negative and police did not suspect alcohol involvement, but Woods refused a urine analysis test.
He was released on bail after being charged with driving under the influence with property damage and refusing a lawful test.
Woods has now issued a statement on his social media accounts, announcing he would be stepping away from the public eye and golf tournaments to seek treatment.
“I know and understand the serious of the situation I find myself in today,” he wrote on Wednesday (AEDT).
“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 prioritise my wellbeing and work towards 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. Tiger.”
His announcement indicates Woods will not be attending the Masters, the first golf major of the year, which begins next week at Augusta National.
Woods had hinted it was possible he could make a return to play after missing last year’s tournament due to a ruptured Achilles tendon.
The five-time champion will be absent from the traditional champions dinner on the eve of the tournament as he steps away from the spotlight.
Fred Ridley, chairman of Augusta National Golf Club, said: “August National Golf Club and the Masters tournament fully support Tiger Woods as he focuses on is well-being.
“Although Tiger will not be joining us in person next week, his presence will be felt here in Augusta.”
Pills found in Woods’ pocket
Woods allegedly had two hydrocodone pills stashed in his pocket when he was busted on DUI charges in Florida.
The meds were found in the golfer’s left pant pocket after he was forced to crawl from his flipped luxury Land Rover, according to an arrest report.
The two pills, which had “M367” marked on them, were later determined to be hydrocodone — an opioid used to treat chronic pain, the report stated.
When asked if he took any prescription meds, Woods allegedly told arresting officers “I take a few,” adding that he had taken some earlier that morning.
Investigators had already said the embattled golf great was allegedly under the influence of “some type of medication or drug” when he clipped a truck and then overturned his SUV just minutes from his home.
Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek previously revealed that no drugs or medications were found in the wreckage itself.
Still, sheriff’s deputies noted in the report that Woods’ eyes were “bloodshot and glassy” and his pupils were “extremely dilated” in the immediate aftermath of the crash.
The golfing phenomenon was also “sweating profusely” and his movements were “lethargic and slow,” the report stated. Woods agreed to undergo a slew of field sobriety tests at the scene.
When an officer noticed him limping and wearing a compression sock over his right knee, Woods noted that his prior medical history included “seven back surgeries and over 20 operations on his leg.”
According to The Guardian, Woods claims in an affidavit he was distracted by his phone and didn’t see the vehicle slow down in front of him.
Woods has pleaded not guilty to driving under the influence and has requested a jury trial, according to court documents.
He attempted to pass the vehicle by passing a double line, before striking it, causing him to lose control and flip on the driver’s side. Woods was able to climb out of the passenger side of his car.
The 50-year-old’s partner, Vanessa Trump, has reportedly given him an ultimatum to get his act together after the car crash.
– With NY Post
