By Paul Joseph
Golf legend Tiger Woods has accepted a five-year suspension of his driving licence and a $1,000 fine after agreeing not to contest a reckless driving charge stemming from a rollover crash in Florida.
The agreement was reached as part of a plea deal with prosecutors in Martin County, Florida, which saw an earlier charge of driving under the influence reduced to reckless driving.
Woods, 50, was arrested following the March crash after his vehicle was involved in a collision and rolled over.
No one was injured in the incident, although the former world number one was forced to crawl out through the passenger side of the vehicle.
As part of the plea agreement, Woods accepted the five-year driving ban and a $1,000 fine.
The golfer had initially pleaded not guilty to misdemeanor charges of driving under the influence and refusal to submit to testing.
Following the crash, Woods passed a breathalyser test but declined to undergo further testing for other drugs, according to authorities.
Police body camera footage released in April captured the aftermath of the accident, showing Woods speaking with officers after the rollover.
In the footage, Woods appeared calm as he explained what happened.
“I looked down at my phone, and all of a sudden, boom,” he told officers.
Woods told police that he had not consumed alcohol on the day of the crash.
When questioned about prescription medication, he reportedly told officers that he took several medications and had taken some earlier that morning.
Authorities said part of the footage in which Woods identified the medication was later redacted.
Police officers said they suspected that Woods’ normal faculties may have been impaired by an unidentified substance.
Authorities later reported recovering two white pills from Woods, which were identified as hydrocodone, an opioid commonly prescribed for pain management.
Following his arrest, Woods acknowledged the seriousness of the situation and announced that he would seek treatment.
“I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in today,” Woods said in a social media statement.
“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 prioritise my wellbeing and work toward lasting recovery.”
The Florida incident marked Woods’ second arrest on suspicion of driving under the influence.
The plea agreement brings the latest legal proceedings arising from the March crash to a close, with Woods now facing a lengthy suspension from driving in addition to the financial penalty imposed under the agreement.
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