Tiger Woods is reportedly set to alter his not guilty plea in a DUI case linked to a rollover accident in Florida, as indicated by court documents submitted on Tuesday.
In March, Woods’ Land Rover struck a truck, resulting in the vehicle rolling onto its side, leading to his arrest, according to law enforcement officials. He had previously entered a not guilty plea to the DUI charge in the Martin County circuit court, located just north of Palm Beach County.
A plea conference hearing is scheduled for Wednesday morning, as noted in a notification released on Tuesday. Further specifics regarding the plea change have not been disclosed.
Woods’ attorney, Doug Duncan, along with the State Attorney’s Office, did not immediately respond to inquiries from The Associated Press seeking further clarification.
Reports indicate that Woods was driving at excessive speeds on a residential road in Jupiter Island, where the speed limit is 30 mph, when his Land Rover caused an estimated $5,000 in damages to the truck. He was able to exit the vehicle without sustaining injuries and informed a deputy that he was distracted by his phone and adjusting the radio when the collision occurred.
At the scene, deputies observed signs of impairment in Woods as he responded to questions and conducted a series of sobriety tests. Although a Breathalyzer test indicated no alcohol in his system, he declined to provide a urine sample, according to authorities.
Woods disclosed to law enforcement that he had consumed “a few” prescription medications, and two hydrocodone pills were discovered in his pants pocket.
Post-accident observations from the arrest report noted that Woods was “sweating profusely,” with bloodshot eyes and “extremely dilated” pupils.
According to court records, Woods has sought treatment at an inpatient facility outside the United States.
In July, Judge Darren Steele approved a request allowing prosecutors to examine medical records connected to Woods’ accident and subsequent arrest. A similar agreement was authorized in May, permitting access to Woods’ prescription medication records from a Palm Beach pharmacy covering the period from the start of the year to the end of March.
At 50 years old, Woods is one of the most influential figures in the sport of golf, recognized worldwide. He made history in 1997 by becoming the first golfer of Black heritage to win the Masters, and he has mesmerized fans with a series of records likely to remain unbroken.
However, his career has faced significant challenges due to numerous back and knee surgeries, multiple car accidents, and issues with pain medication dependency.
Woods has been involved in four separate accidents over the years. In 2021, he survived a severe crash in Los Angeles that resulted in extensive damage to his right leg, with medical professionals considering amputation as an option. Additionally, he was arrested for DUI in 2017 after being found asleep at the wheel of his vehicle, later attributing the incident to a dangerous combination of painkillers.
In 2009, Woods’ SUV crashed into a fire hydrant and a tree outside his Orlando home. Following that incident, he took a leave from competitive golf and has again stepped away from the sport following his most recent crash, with no indication of a return to tournament play as of yet.
Woods made his first public appearance after returning from treatment on June 23, where he unveiled the PGA Tour’s plans for a revamped schedule in 2028. Despite his arrest, Woods continues to serve as chairman of the tour’s Future Competition Committee and did not take questions during that appearance.
