Source:
https://scmp.com/sport/golf/article/2096164/its-not-alcohol-mix-medications-claims-tiger-woods-after-driving-arrest
Sport/ Golf

‘It’s not alcohol, but a mix of medications,’ claims Tiger Woods after driving arrest

Troubled star claims he didn’t realise the mix of medications had affected him so strongly

Tiger Woods after his arrest for DUI at the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office. Photo: AP

Pro golfer Tiger Woods “took responsibility” for an “unexpected reaction” to medication after his arrest on a DUI charge in Jupiter, Florida.

Woods was arrested early on Monday by Jupiter police, according to the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office booking blotter.

Late on Monday, Woods released a statement about the incident, saying he understood the severity of his actions.

“I want the public to know that alcohol was not involved. What happened was an unexpected reaction to prescribed medications. I didn’t realise the mix of medications had affected me so strongly,” the statement says.

He went on to apologise to his family, friends and fans. “I expect more from myself, too. I will do everything in my power to ensure this never happens again.”

He thanked the police for their professionalism. “I fully cooperated with law enforcement,” he said in the statement.

A spokeswoman for Jupiter Police said Woods was pulled over about 3am on Military Trail, just south of Indian Creek Parkway.

Woods was booked into the jail at 7:18am on Monday and released at 10:50am, the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office said.

No further information was immediately released about the allegations against Woods.

The golfer has a home on Jupiter Island and owns The Woods Jupiter restaurant at Harbourside Place on Indiantown Road.

Woods, the winner of 14 major championships, has been battling injuries in recent years. He had committed to play in the Honda Classic in Palm Beach Gardens in February but withdrew from the tournament because of ongoing back issues.

In April, he had back surgery that ensured he would be sidelined for all of golf’s majors for a second straight year.

Woods, 41, posted an update on his physical condition to his website on Wednesday.

“It has been just over a month since I underwent fusion surgery on my back, and it is hard to express how much better I feel,” he wrote. “It was instant nerve relief. I haven’t felt this good in years.”

Woods also wrote that, “as for returning to competitive golf, the long-term prognosis is positive.”