By DANIEL KOZIN Associated Press
STUART, Florida (AP) — Tiger Woods pleaded no contest to a reckless driving charge and his driver’s license was suspended for five years Wednesday following a March rollover crash in Florida, where he initially was accused of driving under the influence.
Woods, still one of golf’s most influential figures and as recognizable as any athlete in the world, has had a remarkable fall since winning the 2019 Masters for his 15th major. The first person of Black heritage to win the Masters in 1997, his career has been derailed by multiple back and knee surgeries, car crashes and dependence on pain medication.
He was arrested in March after his SUV clipped a truck and rolled over on its side on a beachside residential road near his home on Jupiter Island. A sheriff’s report said deputies found two pain pills in his pocket and he showed signs of impairment. He did a Breathalyzer test, which came out negative, but refused to take a urine test.
He pleaded not guilty to the original DUI charge.
Before the hearing in Florida’s Marin County on Wednesday, Woods, 50, sat at the defense table looking back at the mostly empty courtroom gallery. He said little as he agreed to the reduced charge and left the courthouse without addressing reporters.
He had arrived with his girlfriend, Vanessa Trump, President Donald Trump’s former daughter-in-law. She sat behind him during the proceedings.
“Tiger is not absolved of accountability and he surrendered his license for the next five years,” Mark Steinberg, his longtime manager at Excel Sports told the AP. “He is continuing his treatment and prioritizing all aspects of his health.”
Prosecutor says Tiger Woods has a tolerance to pain medicine
The prosecutor in the case said two toxicologists found there was insufficient proof of his impairment and determined Woods had built up a “pharmacological” tolerance after years of using pain pills.
Thomas Bakkedahl, a state attorney, defended his decision to accept the plea, saying, “I did what I think is right.”
Prosecutors obtained the golfer’s pharmacy records that showed he had a lawful prescription, Bakkedahl said.
The deputy who arrested Woods after the crash found two white pills in his pocket that had markings identifying them as hydrocodone, according to the arrest report. Hydrocodone is an opioid that is prescribed for pain, but it can be addictive.
Woods told the deputy he takes a few prescription medications, according to the report, including “Vicodin” — a brand name painkiller that contains hydrocodone.
He has had numerous surgeries on his legs and back over the last two decades — some to treat cartilage and ligament damage, a ruptured tendon, arthritis, and damaged discs in his back.
At Wednesday’s hearing, Woods also pleaded no contest to refusing to submit to testing after the crash and was fined $1,500, according to court documents. A no-contest plea is not an admission of guilt, but means the accused will offer no defense. The plea is treated as a conviction in the criminal justice system.
Woods’ attorney did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment.
Video shows the aftermath of the crash
Body camera footage shows Woods taking out his phone after the crash and telling a deputy, “I was just talking to the president.”
Woods can be heard saying, “Thank you so much,” as he hangs up and the deputy approaches. It is not clear if Woods was referring to President Donald Trump.
The footage also shows the handcuffed Woods hiccupping, yawning and repeatedly appearing to nod off during the 15-minute ride.
Neither Woods nor the person in the other vehicle were injured in the crash, according to officials. Woods told a deputy that he was looking down at his phone and changing the radio station when he hit the truck.
Woods has been involved in four crashes over the years. He took a leave from the golf tour after the 2009 crash and again after the latest crash and has yet to return to tournament play.
He left the United States to seek treatment at an inpatient treatment facility, according to court records.
Woods made his first public appearance since returning from treatment on June 23 when he introduced the PGA Tour’s plans to revamp its schedule for 2028. Woods remained as chair of the tour’s Future Competition Committee after his arrest.
It’s not clear if Tiger is allowed to drive a golf cart
Judge Darren Steele warned Woods that his driver’s license suspension didn’t include any exceptions.
“If you were to drive for any reason at all, you would immediately go back to jail,” the judge told Woods.
The prosecutor said he was confident that Woods would be spotted if he doesn’t heed the message.
“Of all the people in the world who should not get behind the wheel of a car, it’s one of the most recognizable people on the planet,” Bakkedahl said.
But what wasn’t immediately clear is whether Woods can drive a golf cart on a golf course. Bakkedahl told reporters he needed to check on that.
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Associated Press Golf reporters Doug Ferguson in Jacksonville, Florida, and John Seewer in Toledo, Ohio, contributed.