Tiger Woods’ took another turn Wednesday as the golf star changed his plea following a March rollover crash in Florida.
Woods initially pleaded not guilty to misdemeanor charges stemming from the crash. He later entered a plea agreement on a reckless driving charge.
Tiger Woods is scheduled to return to court for a change-of-plea hearing
According to The Associated Press, Woods planned to change his plea during Wednesday’s hearing. However, prosecutors and his legal team had not confirmed whether they reached a deal. The case stemmed from Woods’ March 27 crash in Jupiter Island. Police said his Land Rover clipped a pickup truck pulling a pressure-cleaning trailer before rolling onto its side.
Woods was not injured, and the collision caused roughly $5,000 in damage. Officers said he told them he had been looking at his phone and changing the radio before the crash. Two breathalyzer tests showed no alcohol in his system. However, police said he refused a urine test after his arrest.
Authorities also found two opioid tablets in his pocket. His original charges included DUI with property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test. The legal fight later expanded into Woods’ medical history, with prosecutors seeking access to hospital and prescription records connected to the crash.
His lawyers challenged access to those records before reaching agreements with prosecutors. A protective order limited access to officials, experts, law enforcement, and the defense. The golf star also spent time at a rehabilitation facility in Switzerland after a judge approved his request to travel abroad for treatment.
The case also added to Woods’ legal history. He pleaded guilty to reckless driving after his 2017 DUI arrest. That case resulted in probation, a $250 fine, and 50 hours of community service. Woods also completed a private program addressing his dependency on pain medication.
His latest crash marked his fourth major driving-related incident. Meanwhile, Woods remained away from competitive golf after his 2024 Open Championship appearance. He also underwent Achilles surgery and a seventh back procedure.
Woods’ plea agreement marks another development in a case that has involved questions about his medical records and treatment. He now faces the consequences of the latest court proceedings.
