Golf superstar Tiger Woods has agreed to a plea deal in his driving under the influence case stemming from a rollover crash in March. Woods pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of reckless driving and, in addition, to refusing a lawful test, according to court documents and reports from the hearing.
As part of the agreement, Woods will have his driver’s license suspended for five years and was fined $1,000. The plea deal was accepted by a judge in Martin County, Florida, where the incident occurred.
The golf legend had initially pleaded not guilty to misdemeanor charges of DUI with property damage and refusing to submit to a lawful test. The change of plea hearing took place on Wednesday morning.
Woods’ vehicle, a Land Rover, clipped a truck and rolled onto its side on a residential road on Jupiter Island, Florida, on March 27. Woods was not injured in the crash, and the driver of the truck was also unharmed.
Authorities stated that Woods showed signs of impairment at the scene. While a Breathalyzer test registered no alcohol in his system, Woods refused to provide a urine sample for drug testing. Deputies reported finding two pain pills, identified as hydrocodone, in his pocket.
Woods’ attorney and the State Attorney’s Office had been in discussions regarding the case, and medical records related to Woods’ arrest were reviewed by prosecutors. In the past, Woods has spoken about his struggles with pain medication and has sought treatment at an inpatient facility outside the United States.
This incident adds to a history of traffic-related issues for Woods. In 2017, he was arrested on suspicion of DUI in Florida and later pleaded guilty to reckless driving after stating he had taken a combination of prescription medications. In 2009, his SUV crashed into a fire hydrant and a tree outside his Florida home.
More significantly, in February 2021, Woods was seriously injured in a high-speed rollover crash in Los Angeles, which resulted in severe leg and ankle injuries. Despite the extent of his injuries, for which doctors considered amputation, he remarkably returned to professional golf.
Woods has been navigating a challenging period in his career, marked by multiple surgeries for chronic pain and injuries, including his back and Achilles tendon. He has competed in a limited schedule in recent years and has not participated in an official PGA Tour event since July 2024.
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Global Affairs Desk at The Chenab Times covers international developments, global diplomacy, and foreign policy issues through fact-based reporting, explainers, and analytical pieces. The desk focuses on major geopolitical events, diplomatic engagements, and international trends, with an emphasis on verified information, multiple perspectives, and contextual understanding of global affairs.
