"Eyes dilated and drenched in sweat": Tiger Woods, whose vehicle overturned due to drug-impaired driving, avoided a prison sentence through a plea deal... 5-year license suspension

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'Golf Emperor' Tiger Woods (50) avoided a prison sentence and received a five-year driver's license suspension by reaching an agreement to reduce the severity of penalties in exchange for admitting to some charges related to his DUI (driving under the influence) involving alcohol and drugs.

The UK's 'The Sun' reported on the 2nd (Korea time) that "Woods reached an agreement with the Prosecution Service, agreeing to accept lesser charges in connection with the vehicle rollover accident that occurred last March."

During a hearing held at the St. Lucie County Court in Stuart, Florida, USA, on this day, Woods declared he would not contest the indictment and was sentenced to a fine and a five-year license suspension without a prison term. Woods' girlfriend Vanessa Trump accompanied him to the court that day.

The accident occurred on March 27 last year near South Beach Road close to Woods' Jupiter Island residence in Florida. Woods, driving his Range Rover, attempted to overtake a pickup truck towing a trailer on a narrow road and caused the crash. His vehicle struck the trailer and veered off the road, overturning.

Woods, who was alone in the car, escaped toward the passenger side and sustained no injuries. However, responding sheriff's deputies testified that Woods appeared lethargic and sluggish, sweating profusely as if it were raining. According to the accident report, his eyes were bloodshot and unfocused, with severely dilated pupils.

Police found two pills of hydrocodone, a prescription painkiller, in Woods' pocket. Woods told police he had been taking medication for high blood pressure and cholesterol, along with ibuprofen and Vicodin, another painkiller. He also claimed he failed to notice the car ahead slowing down because he was distracted trying to change radio channels using his phone.

Alcohol was not detected in the breathalyzer test. However, when Woods refused to provide a urine sample for drug testing, authorities charged him with DUI causing property damage and refusal to submit to testing.

Initially, Woods maintained his innocence and demanded a jury trial. However, on the 1st prior to the hearing, Woods' attorney Douglas Duncan submitted a notice of 'change of plea', altering his stance. The Prosecution Service had been investigating Woods' past medical records and pharmacy logs. Immediately after the accident, Woods stated he would focus on treatment and recovery, temporarily stepping away from the golf world. Previously, the court had permitted him to travel abroad to receive treatment in a controlled environment.

This is not Woods' first vehicle accident. In 2017, he was caught falling asleep in his car while under the influence of drugs in Florida and was punished for reckless driving. In 2021, his vehicle overturned while speeding on the outskirts of Los Angeles, causing severe leg injuries that threatened his athletic career, though he avoided criminal charges at the time.

Meanwhile, Woods holds the record for most PGA Tour wins (82), tied with Sam Sneid, including 15 major championship victories.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original