On Monday, pro-golfer Tiger Woods, 41, was arrested on DUI charges after Florida officials said he was seen driving erratically and weaving on the road. Woods was taken into custody around 3 a.m. and released nearly eight hours later on his own recognizance.
Despite reports of the smell of alcohol on his breath, Woods released a statement late Monday to clarify the real cause of his behavior, prescribed medication.
“I understand the severity of what I did and I take full responsibility for my actions. I want the public to know that alcohol was not involved,” Woods said in a statement obtained by PEOPLE. “What happened was an unexpected reaction to prescribed medications. I didn’t realize the mix of medications had affected me so strongly,” Woods’ statement continued.
According to Daily Mail, when officers approached Woods on Monday, he was asleep at the wheel of his 2015 Mercedes-Benz. At the time, the vehicle was running, and Woods’ right blinker was on just before authorities woke the pro-golfer up. Woods then took four sobriety tests, which he failed, revealing he was on four prescription drugs, including Vicodin, Torix, Vioxx. However, he did take a breathalyzer for which he blew a .000, twice, which reveals there was no alcohol in his system at the time of the incident.
It’s likely that Woods has been taking the drugs following his most recent back surgery in April. Vicodin is used to relieve pain, while Torix and Vioxx are anti-inflammatory drugs.
Initially, Woods told officials that he did not know where he was, but revealed “he was coming from LA California from golfing,” according to the affidavit, but reportedly changed his story shortly after.
“I would like to apologize with all my heart to my family, friends and the fans. I expect more from myself too,” Woods’ statement continued. “I will do everything in my power to ensure this never happens again. I fully cooperated with law enforcement, and I would like to personally thank the representatives of the Jupiter Police Department and the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office for their professionalism.”
Woods faces 6-months suspension of his driver’s license.
