Golf legend Tiger Woods is expected to change his plea in court, five months after he was arrested on allegations of driving under the influence following a rollover crash in Florida.
Court records indicate that a hearing on Woods’ plea has been scheduled for Wednesday morning in Martin County, Florida.
The 50-year-old golfer was arrested following the March crash, during which his vehicle reportedly struck another vehicle before overturning. Although Woods passed a breathalyser test, he declined further testing for the presence of other drugs.
Woods had earlier pleaded not guilty to misdemeanor charges of driving under the influence and refusal to submit to testing.
The former world number one later announced that he was seeking treatment following the incident, but details of the plea he intends to enter at Wednesday’s hearing were not immediately clear.
No one was injured in the crash, although Woods reportedly had to crawl out through the passenger-side door after his vehicle overturned.
Police body camera footage released in April captured the moments following the accident. In the footage, Woods appeared calm as he spoke with officers about how the crash occurred.
“I looked down at my phone, and all of a sudden, boom,” he told officers.
Authorities said Woods passed a breathalyser test but declined to provide a urine sample for further drug testing.
Woods reportedly told officers that he had not consumed alcohol on the day of the accident. However, when questioned about prescription medication, he acknowledged taking some earlier that morning.
“I take a few,” he reportedly said, while listing the medication he had taken. That portion of the body camera footage was later redacted.
Officers said they suspected that Woods’ normal faculties may have been impaired by an unidentified substance.
Authorities subsequently reported recovering two white pills from Woods’ pocket, which were identified as hydrocodone, a prescription opioid commonly used for pain management.
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Following the arrest, Woods acknowledged the seriousness of the situation and announced that he would step away to focus on treatment and his wellbeing.
“I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in today,” Woods said in a social media statement after the incident.
“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.”
The March incident marked Woods’ second arrest on suspicion of driving under the influence.
With the plea-change hearing now scheduled, attention is expected to focus on the legal outcome of the case and whether Woods will enter into a plea agreement with prosecutors.
