UPDATED 3/31, 7:02 p.m. ET: Tiger Woods has announced that he is “stepping away” in order to “seek treatment.”
“I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in today,” he posted to his account on X, appearing to refer to his DUI charge. “I am stepping away for a period of time to seek treatment and focus on my health.”
You can see the full message below.
See original story below.
Tiger Woods has formally pleaded not guilty in his latest DUI case and is turning to a familiar legal ally as he prepares to fight the charges.
Court records seen by Complex show that Woods has retained Florida-based defense attorney Douglas Duncan, the same lawyer who represented him following his 2017 DUI arrest.
Duncan, a well-known criminal defense attorney in Florida, helped Woods navigate his earlier DUI case, which ultimately resulted in a reduced charge and entry into a diversion program.
The new case stems from a March 27 crash in Jupiter Island, Florida, where Woods’ vehicle overturned after colliding with another car. According to police documents, officers observed signs that suggested impairment at the scene.
Deputies noted that Woods appeared “lethargic and slow,” with “severe signs of impairment,” adding that his eyes looked “bloodshot and glassy” and his pupils were “extremely dilated.” Authorities also reported that Woods was sweating heavily despite sitting in a cooled vehicle following the crash.
Woods told officers the accident happened after he briefly looked down at his phone to adjust the radio and didn’t notice traffic slowing ahead. He denied drinking alcohol but said he had taken prescription medication earlier in the day.
A breath test showed no alcohol in his system, but Woods struggled through multiple field sobriety tests, according to the report. He later declined to provide a urine sample when officers requested it.
Investigators also noted that two hydrocodone pills were found in his pocket at the time of the arrest.
Woods now faces charges of DUI with property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test. He is expected to appear in court next month as the case moves forward.
