Tiger Woods has pleaded not guilty to driving under the influence during his car crash in Florida on Friday, hours after a sheriff's report said he showed signs of impairment at the scene.
Woods was arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) after being involved in a car crash in Jupiter Island, Florida on Friday March 27, where his Land Rover rolled over in a collision with a pick-up truck.
His plea was confirmed in court documents in Martin County, Florida, on the same day that details of his arrest were released.
He entered a written plea of not guilty and planned to waive his appearance during an arraignment hearing on April 23. The case will now go to trial, with a date yet to be set.
Woods has since released a statement to confirm that he was stepping away âfor âa "period of âtime" to seek treatment and âfocus â on â his health, seemingly ending hopes of a potential competitive comeback at The Masters from April 9-12.
He posted on X: "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."
Woods told police he was looking down at his phone and changing the radio station before last week's car crash, with pills found in his pocket at the time of his arrest, according to the sheriff's office report released earlier in the day.
An arrest affidavit, released by the Martin Country Sheriff's Office on Tuesday, revealed that Woods told investigators that he didn't realise the truck in front of him had slowed down.
The affidavit also said the 15-time major champion had "bloodshot and glassy eyes", "extremely dilated pupils" and appeared "lethargic and slow" when he failed several field sobriety exercises.
Woods had climbed out of the passenger seat after the crash and was "sweating profusely", with two white pills, identified as hydrocodone - used to treat severe pain - found in his pocket during a search.
The 50-year-old told deputies he had been looking at his phone and fiddling with the radio before he clipped the truck in front of him, causing an estimated $5,000 (ÂŁ3,770) worth of damage.
Woods had a compression sock over his right knee and told the sheriff about his seven previous back surgeries and 'over 20 operations on his leg', adding that he has a limp and that his ankle seizes while walking.
He walked away unhurt and took a breathalyser test at the scene which returned negative, but refused to submit a urine sample, leading to him being kept in jail for eight hours before being released on bond in the early hours of Saturday morning.
Woods was taken to a local hospital for medical clearance before being transported to the Martin County jail, where he declined medical treatment and was held - under Florida law - for the mandatory eight hours.
"I believed that Woods' normal faculties were impaired, and he was unable to safely operate a motor vehicle," the affidavit stated.
Woods was charged with driving under the influence with property damage, along with refusal to submit to a lawful urine test.
The five-time Masters champion was listed in the field for the opening major of the year, where Rory McIlroy returns as defending champion, but is no longer expected to feature and make a first appearance in a major since The Open in July 2024.
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