WOODS: MIX OF MEDICATIONS, NOT ALCOHOL, LED TO STOP
Tiger Woods was arrested in Florida on suspicion of driving under the influence early Monday morning.
Woods was booked into the Palm Beach County Jail on Monday at 7:18 a.m. ET after he was arrested in Jupiter. Woods, who owns a home on Jupiter Island, was released on his own recognizance at 10:50 a.m.
Woods issued a statement Monday evening: “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 would like to apologize with all my heart to my family, friends and the fans. I expect more from myself too. I will do everything in my power to ensure this never happens again.”
The arrest occurred about 3 a.m. during a traffic stop off Military Trail, just south of Indian Creek Parkway, according to Jupiter police spokeswoman Kristin Rightler.
Rightler said she didn’t know where Woods was coming from or going and the arrest report should be available Tuesday. Police didn’t specify the chemical or substance that led to the DUI arrest.
Woods, 41, has struggled in recent years with a bad back. He had fusion surgery on his back April 19 — his fourth procedure to his back since April 2014 — and will not play on the PGA Tour this season.
The 14-time major champion and winner of 79 PGA Tour titles hasn’t played since he withdrew from the Dubai Desert Classic on Feb. 3 after an opening-round 77. He’s made three worldwide starts the last two years.
He wrote in a statement on his website last week that he remains committed to playing competitive golf. “As for returning to competitive golf, the longterm prognosis is positive. My surgeon and physiotherapist say the operation was successful. It’s just a matter of not screwing up and letting it fuse,” Woods wrote. “I’m walking and doing my exercises, and taking my kids to and from school. All I can do is take it day by day. There’s no hurry.
“But, I want to say unequivocally, I want to play professional golf again.”
It’s not the first time Woods has made headlines for his actions off the golf course. In November 2009, he was involved in a car crash at his Florida home that led to revelations of his extramarital affairs. He publicly apologized in February 2010 and took four months off from playing competitive golf.