Tiger Woods arrested for DUI in Florida

Tiger Woods, the American golfer and 15-time major champion, was arrested on a charge of driving under the influence early on May 29, 2017, in Jupiter, Florida.[1][2]

Jupiter police found Woods, then 41, asleep behind the wheel of a 2015 Mercedes-Benz stopped partially in the roadway with the engine running and taillights illuminated around 3 a.m. local time.[1][2]

Woods performed poorly on field sobriety tests. Toxicology results from a blood sample showed hydrocodone, hydromorphone, alprazolam (Xanax) and THC in his system. Officers also recovered prescription drug containers and five Vicodin pills from the vehicle.[1][3]

Woods told officers he had taken several medications and did not usually consume them all at once. The arrest followed his April 2017 microdiscectomy back surgery and a May 19 lumbar fusion procedure.[1][4]

On May 30, ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith criticized Woods on First Take, suggesting he had a problem with prescription painkillers and needed help, while urging him not to drive impaired.[5]

Woods issued a statement taking full responsibility, attributing the incident to an "unexpected reaction to prescribed medications. I didn't realize the mix of medications in my system had affected me so greatly."[2][6]

In October 2017, Woods entered a plea of no contest to a reduced reckless driving charge. He was sentenced to one year of probation, 50 hours of community service and mandatory substance abuse treatment.[3][7]