US golfer Tiger Woods has said an “unexpected reaction to prescribed medications” was the reason behind his arrest on suspicion of driving under the influence in Florida on Monday.
Woods, who was held by police in the town of Jupiter early on Monday morning on charges of driving under the influence (DUI), said “alcohol was not involved” in the arrest.
The 14-time Major winner was seen looking bleary-eyed and unkempt in the police mugshot released after the arrest.
In a statement on Monday, Woods said: “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. What happened was an unexpected reaction to prescribed medications. I didn’t realize the mix of medications had affected me so strongly.”
Woods, 41, apologized to his family, friends, and fans, saying: “I expect more from myself, too.”
“I will do everything in my power to ensure this never happens again,” he added.
Woods has struggled with injury in recent years, and has seen a number of comebacks stall. He is currently ranked a lowly 876 in the world – a far cry from the days when he was world number one and dominating the sport.