Golfer Tiger Woods was arrested in Florida at 3 a.m. as police suspected that he was driving under the influence of narcotics.
He was jailed for almost four hours until he was released; the golfer later delivered a statement with his version of the events. Woods attributes the arrest to an “unexpected reaction” to the prescription drugs he’s been taking after having back surgery in April.
Woods may have mixed painkillers and booze
According to official statements, Tiger Woods was arrested on Military Trail, south of Indian Creek Parkway, Florida. The golfer did not address what he was doing at the time or where he was headed. Records show that he was registered in the jail’s books at 7:18 a.m. and then released at 10:50 a.m.
Police refrained from revealing whether the arrest was due to drugs or alcohol, although from Woods’ statements, one can infer that he mixed prescription drugs and some alcoholic beverage.
Just after being released, Tiger Woods delivered a statement to explain what he had been through and assuring that he’s taking “full responsibility” for his actions.
“I understand the severity of what I did and I take full responsibility for my actions. I want the public to know that alcohol was not involved. What happened was an unexpected reaction to prescribed medications. I didn’t realize the mix of medications had affected me so strongly. I expect more from myself, too. I will do everything in my power to ensure this never happens again,” stated the golf superstar.
Police stated that Woods was cooperative and did not resist the arrest, as he even thanked the officer that took custody of him for being professional and respectful.
Woods has been out of competition for almost four months, keeping himself away from the season after being operated upon in Texas. He claims that after the procedure, he has been feeling better with each passing day. His back pain made him quit the Omega Dubai Desert Classic in February after scoring a 77, forcing him to leave in the next day. He later attended other tournaments but refrained from participating.
Woods has been one of the most profitable athletes in the world, becoming the 2nd best golfer of the PGA Tour of all time, and the 3rd for the European Tour. He also won 14 major championships while also putting several other achievements and awards under his belt.
This is the first time the golfer is in trouble after the 2009 car crash that resulted in the widespread scandal of his extramarital affairs and addiction to sex. Woods admitted to infidelity, and even after trying to reconcile with his wife, they got a divorce in 2010. Later, Woods’ many love affairs came to light and caused his professional career to plummet. In 2016, Woods stopped being in the world’s top 500 golfers for the first time in his career.
“I felt that I had worked hard my entire life and deserved to enjoy all the temptations around me. I felt I was entitled. Thanks to money and fame, I didn’t have to go far to find them. I was wrong. I was foolish,” he stated in 2010 while apologizing to his wife and his fans.
Source: Washington Times