Golf legend Tiger Woods has accepted a five-year driving licence suspension and a $1,000 fine after agreeing to plead to reckless driving in Florida.
The agreement resolves a case stemming from a rollover crash in Martin County in March. Woods had initially faced a misdemeanor charge of driving under the influence (DUI).
Under the plea agreement reached with prosecutors, Woods agreed not to contest the reckless driving charge. In return, the original DUI charge was reduced.
The 50-year-old golfer was arrested following the crash. Woods passed a breathalyser test after the crash but declined further testing for other drugs, according to authorities.
Florida State Attorney Thomas Bakkedahl said after the hearing that he was satisfied with the resolution.
“I’m completely confident and comfortable with the resolution of this case,” Bakkedahl said at a press conference.
Bakkedahl also stressed that Woods had been treated like any other defendant.
“Today I resolved case involving a man who drives a golf ball for a living,” he said.
“Tomorrow, I’ll resolve a case in the same matter for a man who drives a nail for a living.”
No one was injured in the crash, although Woods had to crawl through the passenger door to escape the vehicle.
Police later released body camera footage showing the aftermath. Woods appeared calm as he spoke with officers after his vehicle clipped a truck and overturned.
“I looked down at my phone, and all of a sudden, boom,” Woods told officers.
Woods also told police he had not consumed alcohol that day. When asked about prescription medication, he said he took several medications and had taken them earlier that morning.
Officers said they suspected his “normal faculties” were impaired by an unknown substance. Authorities later reported finding two white pills in his pocket, which were identified as hydrocodone, an opioid commonly prescribed for pain.
Following the incident, Woods said he was stepping away to seek treatment and focus on his health. The crash marked the second time Woods had been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence.
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