Tiger Woods is scheduled to appear in a Florida court to change his initial not guilty plea in an impaired-driving case related to a rollover accident earlier this year, court documents reveal. The 50-year-old golfer’s attorney, Douglas Duncan, filed a motion with the Martin County Circuit Court on Tuesday requesting a hearing before Judge Darren Steele to address the change of plea. The new plea has not been disclosed.
Woods originally pleaded not guilty to charges of driving under the influence stemming from the March crash. Authorities reported that Woods was looking down at his phone and did not notice a vehicle ahead had slowed, leading to the accident. No injuries were reported in the incident.
A probable cause affidavit filed by law enforcement noted that Woods had two hydrocodone pills in his possession at the time. Officers described him as lethargic, slow in movement, sweating profusely, with bloodshot, glassy eyes and pupils that were markedly dilated.
Following the crash, Judge Steele approved Woods’ request to travel outside the United States for treatment in a controlled setting. Woods subsequently announced he would step away from professional golf temporarily to focus on his health and pursue the necessary care.
Woods is widely regarded as one of golf’s greatest players, having won 15 Major championships—the second-most in history behind Jack Nicklaus’ 18—and 82 PGA Tour events, a record he shares with Sam Snead. His career highlights include a record 683 weeks as the world’s number one ranked golfer and holding all four Major titles simultaneously in what has been dubbed the “Tiger Slam.”
Representatives for Woods have not commented on the pending plea change. The scheduled hearing is expected to clarify the golfer’s position in the case.
