Tiger Woods is set to alter his plea in a DUI case linked to a rollover crash in Florida, as per court filings on Tuesday. Earlier in March, Woods’s Land Rover was involved in a collision with a truck, resulting in the vehicle rolling onto its side and the renowned golfer being taken into custody. Woods had initially pleaded not guilty to driving under the influence in the matter at Martin County circuit court, located just north of Palm Beach County.
A plea conference hearing is scheduled for Wednesday morning, as indicated in a notice posted on Tuesday. No specific details regarding the nature of the plea modification have been disclosed at this time. Responses to requests for additional information from The Associated Press by Woods’s attorney, Doug Duncan, and the State Attorney’s Office are still pending.
During the incident, Woods was driving at high speeds along a residential road on Jupiter Island, where the speed limit was nearly 50 kilometers per hour. The collision with the truck caused approximately $5,000 US in damages to the vehicles. Despite the crash, Woods managed to exit the vehicle unharmed and informed a deputy that he was distracted while adjusting his radio and looking at his phone.
Although Woods consented to a breathalyzer test that showed no alcohol in his system, he declined to undergo a urine test. Law enforcement officers discovered two pain pills in his possession, and he displayed signs of impairment. Following the incident, Woods sought treatment at an inpatient facility outside the United States, as per court records.
In a separate development, an agreement was approved by Judge Darren Steele in July, allowing prosecutors to review medical records related to Woods’s crash and arrest. A similar agreement had been authorized in May that granted prosecutors access to all prescription medication records for Woods at a Palm Beach pharmacy from the beginning of the year through the end of March.
Tiger Woods, aged 50, holds a significant position in the realm of golf as one of its most influential figures. Notably, he became the first Black individual to win the Masters in 1997, setting records that are likely to stand the test of time. However, his career has been marred by various setbacks, including multiple surgeries on his back and knees, car accidents, and struggles with dependence on pain medication.
Over the years, Woods has been involved in several car accidents, with notable incidents in 2021 and 2009. Following the 2021 crash in Los Angeles that severely injured his leg, there were discussions about potential amputation. In 2009, his SUV collided with a fire hydrant and tree near his residence in Orlando, Florida.
After the 2009 accident and the recent crash, Woods took breaks from the golf circuit and has yet to make a full return to tournament play. His first public appearance post-treatment was on June 23, where he presented the PGA Tour’s plans for the 2028 schedule revamp. Despite his arrest, Woods retained his position as the chairman of the tour’s Future Competition Committee and refrained from addressing questions during the appearance.
