\n<\/p>\n
Tiger Woods says he will step away \u201cfor a period of time\u201d to seek treatment after pleading not guilty in his DUI case tied to a Florida rollover crash, acknowledging the \u201cseriousness\u201d of the situation.<\/p>\n
\u201cI 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
The PGA Tour also released a statement following Woods\u2019 announcement:
\u201cTiger Woods is a legend of our sport whose impact extends far beyond his achievements on the course. But above all else, Tiger is a person, and our focus is on his health and well-being. Tiger continues to have our full support as he takes this important step.\u201d<\/p>\n
It comes just hours after Woods entered a not guilty plea in his latest DUI case, according to court records. He\u2019s once again turned to prominent Florida defense attorney Douglas Duncan \u2014 the same lawyer who represented him after his 2017 arrest.<\/p>\n
On Friday afternoon, Woods crashed his Range Rover near his Jupiter Island home while attempting to pass a truck towing a pressure cleaner. The vehicle flipped. He managed to crawl out, but responding officers said he appeared \u201clethargic\u201d and possibly under the influence of medication or drugs.<\/p>\n
He was charged with DUI, property damage, and refusal to submit to a lawful test, and spent roughly eight hours in jail.<\/p>\n
\u201cDUI investigators came to the scene here, and Mr. Woods did exemplify signs of impairment. They did several tests on him. Of course, he did explain the injuries and the surgeries that he had. We did take that into account, but they did do some in-depth roadside tests,\u201d Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek said.<\/p>\n
Deputies said Woods showed signs of impairment at the scene. A breath test later showed no alcohol in his system, shifting attention to whether another substance may have been involved.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe really weren\u2019t suspicious of alcohol being involved in this case, and that proved to be true at the jail. \u2026 But when it came time for us to ask for a urinalysis test, he refused. And, so, he\u2019s been charged with DUI, with property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test,\u201d Budensiek added.<\/p>\n
President Donald Trump weighed in Tuesday, saying Woods is \u201cdoing great\u201d despite suffering \u201ca lot of pain.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHe tested negative for alcohol, as you know, and he is under a tremendous physical pressure from his various ailments, you know, the back and the leg,\u201d Trump told The New York Post. \u201cHe lives a life of pain. He has a lot of pain. He\u2019s an amazing guy. He\u2019s an amazing athlete. He does have pain.\u201d<\/p>\n
Trump has previously spoken about his close relationship with the 15-time major champion, who is dating Trump\u2019s former daughter-in-law, Vanessa Trump. Vanessa is the ex-wife of Donald Trump Jr. and the mother of the president\u2019s granddaughter, Kai, who committed to the University of Miami to play golf.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n