Tiger Woods Breaks Silence on DUI Arrest, Claims Alcohol Was Not Involved

Tiger Woods claims alcohol was not involved in his early morning DUI arrest.

Tiger Woods speaks with reporters.
USA Today Sports

Image via USA Today Sports/Gary A. Vasquez

Tiger Woods speaks with reporters.

Early Monday morning, Tiger Woods was arrested in Jupiter, Florida and charged with driving under the influence. A short while ago, ESPN senior golf writer Jason Sobel shared a statement from Woods where the 41-year-old golfer maintains that "alcohol was not involved" in his arrest.

Statement from Tiger Woods: pic.twitter.com/XzlESOGOxK

"I understand the severity of what I did and I take full responsibility for my actions," Woods said. "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."

According to TMZ, the arresting officer claims to have smelled alcohol on Woods' breath after pulling him over. Tiger refused to take a breathalyzer test requested by the officer, which led to the golfer not only getting arrested, but his license was also suspended. Woods reportedly avoided having his Mercedes impounded because someone close to him came to pick up the vehicle.  

"I would like to apologize with all my heart to my family, friends and the fans. I expect more from myself too," Woods said. "I will do everything in my power to ensure this never happens again. I fully cooperated with law enforcement, and I would like to personally thank the representatives of the Jupiter Police Department and the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s office for their professionalism.” 

Woods has been dealing with lingering back problems that have kept him on and off the course over the last three years. 

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