Tiger Woods break silence on DUI arrest

Tiger Woods has broken his silence after being arrested for driving under the influence.

The golf legend refused a urinalysis test after he rolled his Land Rover in Florida last week.

"I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in today," Woods, 50, said in a written statement posted to social media on Tuesday.

He added he would be removing himself from the public eye to attend rehabilitation.

"I am stepping away for a period of time to seek treatment and focus on my health," the 82-time PGA Tour winner said. "This is necessary in order for me to prioritize my well-being and work toward lasting recovery."

Woods additionally requested his family be afforded privacy in the wake of his arrest.

"I've committed to taking the time needed to return in a healthier, stronger, and more focused place, both personally and professionally," his statement read.

"I appreciate your understanding and support, and ask for privacy for my family, loved ones and myself at this time."

Woods issued his statement on the same day as he entered a not-guilty plea - four days after Florida police officers took him into custody.

His Land Rover, the police report said, was involved in a crash with a small truck that was towing a trailer, with the drivers of both vehicles uninjured in the accident.

The police report stated Woods had told attending police at the time that he "was looking down at his cellphone and changing the radio station and did not notice the vehicle in front of him had slowed down".

Charged with misdemeanour driving under the influence with property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test, Woods was reported to be "lethargic and slow" at the scene, with "bloodshot and glassy" eyes and "extremely dilated" pupils.

An arrest affidavit additionally showed that Woods allegedly had two hydrocodone pills in his pocket when he was arrested.

Woods was previously arrested for DUI in May 2017 after officers found him passed out behind the wheel of his Mercedes-Benz.

He also suffered significant leg injuries in a single-vehicle accident in Southern California in February 2021.

As Woods waived his arraignment, instead demanding a jury trial over his latest DUI charge, the case is scheduled to appear in court on 5 May for a pre-trial hearing.