"I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in today," Woods said. "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.

"I'm committed to taking the time needed to return in a healthier, stronger, and more focused place, both personally and professionally. I appreciate your understanding and support, and ask for privacy for my family, loved ones and myself at this time."

Woods was charged with driving under the influence with property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test last week. The golf legend reportedly told police that he was looking down at his cell phone and changing the radio station, claiming it caused him to not see a truck that he crashed into prior to his arrest, according to Martin County Sheriff's deputy Tatiana Levenar in an arrest affidavit obtained by ESPN.

Woods was reportedly "sweating profusely" and was moving in a "lethargic and slow" way when responding officers spoke to him at the scene. The legendary golfer appeared to look dazed in the photo in his mugshot from Martin County Jail.

Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek confirmed Woods' charges and that he was in custody and would remain jailed for at least eight hours on Friday after his detainment in adherence with Florida state law before being released later that evening. The 50-year-old was confirmed to be driving a Land Rover that was seen on its side and managed to crawl out of the vehicle.

Woods reportedly attempted to pass a truck pulling a trailer at a high rate of speed and swiped the trailer, resulting in his vehicle rolling on its side. Budensiek said Woods showed signs of impairment and DUI investigators conducted several tests at the seen.

Woods was arrested and taken to the Martin County Jail, where he took a breathalyzer test that confirmed he wasn't under the influence of alcohol, but refused a urinalysis test, which resulted in the charges. Budensiek confirmed that no drugs or medication were found in Woods' vehicle.

Both Woods and the driver of the truck pulling the trailer were uninjured in the crash. Woods, who recently made his official return to competitive golf in the TGL Final last week, had previously suffered open fractures to both his tibia and fibula bones following a single-vehicle accident in 2021.

News of the Friday's crash followed reports that Woods registered for the U.S. Senior Open, but is not yet listed in the early field as he hasn't yet made a decision, a spokesperson for the United States Golf Association confirmed in a statement to Golf Digest's Joel Beall.

"Tiger has entered the championship, simply to ensure eligibility, but will not make a decision about playing until a later date," the spokesperson said.

Woods is eligible to compete on the PGA Tour Champions this year, including the five senior major events and has expressed interest in competing on the senior circuit, especially given its allowance of cart usage during regular tour events as he continues to rehab from a ruptured Achilles injury and back surgery and had previously announced that he underwent a "minimally-invasive Achilles tendon repair for a ruptured tendon" after experiencing "a sharp pain" in his left Achilles last March.

Woods, widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential golfers of all-time ranks second all-time behind only Nicklaus (18) in career majors and has 82 PGA Tour victories, tied with Sam Snead for the most all-time.

Abby Bonell

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