Tiger Woods is deep in the rough, but he has at least one popular golfer standing behind him.
Influencer Paige Spiranac posted a heartfelt message to the 15-time major champion, who announced on Tuesday evening that he is taking a break from the sport as he seeks help following his DUI charge.
Spiranac wrote that she is rooting for Woods on his road to recovery and hopes that he can get the help that he needs.
“I think we are all rooting for Tiger. Not as a golfer but more importantly as a person,” she wrote on X on Tuesday evening. “None of us can fathom what he’s been through both emotionally and physically.
“Not excusing any behavior, but I hope he’s able to get the help he needs in peace without the whole world dog-piling on him in a very difficult situation.”
What happened to Woods?
Woods was arrested and charged with DUI after being involved in a rollover crash last week in Jupiter, Fla. Earlier Tuesday, he entered a not-guilty plea while waiving his arraignment and demanding a trial by jury, Fox News reported.
Woods announced via social media that he will be stepping away from public life to focus on his recovery and long-term health, officially ending any lasting speculation of whether the five-time green jacket winner would play in next week’s Masters Tournament.
“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 prioritize my well-being and work toward lasting recovery,” he wrote.
“I’m committed to taking the time needed to return in a healthier, stronger, and more focused place, personally and professionally. I appreciate your understanding and support, and ask for privacy for my family, loved ones and myself at this time.”
Woods allegedly had pills in his pocket
Woods not only allegedly admitted to being distracted before his rollover crash last week, but also had two opioid pills in his pocket at the time, according to police.
In his arrest affidavit — which was obtained by TMZ and ESPN on Tuesday — police said that they allegedly found two loose, white pills inside Woods’ left pants pocket during a search after the crash. The pills were allegedly marked “M367” and revealed to be hydrocodone — a powerful, semi-synthetic opioid used to treat severe pain.
During the investigation, Woods was asked if he takes any prescription medication, to which he allegedly replied, “I take a few.” The 50-year-old golf legend also allegedly admitted that he had taken that medication earlier in the morning.
A Martin County Sheriff’s deputy reported in the affidavit that Woods allegedly had “bloodshot and glassy” eyes and “extremely dilated” pupils. He also was “lethargic and slow” and “sweating profusely” after the crash, the affidavit said.
What was Woods doing before crash?
While the 15-time major champion agreed to take field sobriety tests, he appeared to be favouring an injured leg – he was wearing a compression sock over his right knee – and was “limping and stumbling to the right.”
Woods said that it was due to his seven back surgeries and more than 20 operations on his leg.
The affidavit also said that Woods told police he was distracted before the crash, allegedly admitting to looking down at his phone and changing the radio station when he clipped a truck with his Land Rover and rolled the SUV onto its side.
Woods allegedly told investigators that he didn’t realize the truck in front of him had slowed down.
Woods was charged with DUI and property damage following the rollover in Jupiter, Fla., on Friday. No one was injured.
–With files from Jon McCarthy