Tiger Woods to change plea after crash arrest
The golfer will be in court on Wednesday for a hearing to change his plea after being charged with driving under the influence.
Tiger Woods is slated to alter his plea in court, five months subsequent to his arrest on a DUI charge stemming from a rollover accident in Florida.
Court documents indicate that the plea change hearing is scheduled for Wednesday morning in Martin County, Florida. The golfer's arrest followed a March crash, where he successfully passed a breathalyzer test but declined further drug screening.
In the same month, he entered a not-guilty plea to misdemeanor charges of driving under the influence and refusing to submit to testing. Woods, aged 50, subsequently stated he was pursuing treatment after the event.
The precise nature of the plea change remains undisclosed. The BBC has reached out to both prosecutors and Woods' legal counsel for comment.
No injuries were reported in the crash, though Woods had to exit through the passenger door to extricate himself.
Police released body camera footage in April, capturing the aftermath of the incident. The video shows the golfing icon after his vehicle struck a truck and overturned.
In the footage, Woods appears composed, kneeling on one knee, and informs officers, "I looked down at my phone, and all of a sudden, boom."
He passed a breathalyzer test but declined a urinalysis for other substances, as stated by Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek at the time.
Woods informed officers he had not consumed alcohol that day. When questioned about prescription medication, he replied, "I take a few," adding he had taken them earlier that morning.
He then enumerated the medications, though that segment of the footage was redacted.
Officers conveyed to Woods their suspicion that his "normal faculties" were impaired by an "unknown substance."
Authorities later reported discovering two white pills in his pocket, identified as hydrocodone, an opioid frequently prescribed for pain management.
Following the incident, Woods posted on social media, "I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in today. I am stepping away for a period of time to seek treatment and focus on my health. This is necessary in order for me to prioritise my wellbeing and work toward lasting recovery."
This incident marks Woods' second arrest on suspicion of driving under the influence.