Tiger Woods has blamed an "unexpected reaction" to prescription medicine for his driving under the influence arrest and said alcohol was not involved.
The 41-year-old 14-time major golf champion, who is recovering from back surgery, apologised to his fans on Tuesday and said he took “full responsibility” for the incident.
He spent nearly four hours in Palm Beach County Jail after being arrested in Jupiter, Florida, a short drive from his beach-front home in the early hours of Monday.
In a statement, 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 realise the mix of medications had affected me so strongly.
“I would like to apologise with all my heart to my family, friends and the fans. I expect more from myself too.
“I will do everything in my power to ensure this never happens again.”
An arrest report from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office said Woods was arrested for a DUI but did not specify whether it was drugs or alcohol that was suspected of being involved.
A mugshot of the golf star shows him unshaven and wearing a white T-shirt.
He was released from the jail without having to pay bail on Monday.
Woods previously became embroiled in scandal when his extramarital affairs were revealed after he crashed his SUV into a tree in 2009.
He has not played competitively since pulling out of the Dubai Desert Classic with back spasms at the start of February.
Woods underwent fusion surgery over a month ago and said in a recent post on his website that it will leave him unable to “twist” for three months.
He said he was focusing on rehabilitation and stressed he must give himself time to heal.
“But, I want to say unequivocally, I want to play professional golf again,” he said.
