Scheffler is scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday on multiple charges, but was released this morning and allowed to return to the golf course to play the second round of the PGA Championship.
Friday 17 May 2024 22:21 UK
Scottie Scheffler, the world’s number one golfer, said he was “upset” and “shocked” after being arrested and charged by police this morning.
The 27-year-old was reportedly trying to avoid a traffic jam caused by a fatal crash near Louisville’s Valhalla Golf Club. kentucky Around 6am local time (11am UK time) on Friday.
He is charged with second-degree assault on a police officer, third-degree criminal mischief, reckless driving and failing to signal a traffic officer and is scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday.
Mr Scheffler was released this morning at 8.40am local time (1.40pm UK time). allowed to return to golf course He is scheduled to play in the second round of the PGA Championship, and is currently two strokes behind the leader.
“It was a confusing situation and a big misunderstanding. My head is still light-headed,” Scheffler told reporters after the round.
“I spent some time warming up in my prison cell, which was a first for me.
“I was pretty upset, to say the least…I wasn’t angry in any way, just shocked. I was shaking for about an hour.
“It was definitely a challenge to come out here and play today, but I tried my best to control my mind, control my breathing…just try to play golf.
“I knew there were going to be a lot of distractions…but to be honest, it was great to have the fans behind me, to have me here today in the game. I felt like they were really happy.”
Police earlier released a photo of Scheffler wearing a prison-issued orange jumpsuit.
The fatal crash occurred this morning when a bus struck and killed a man who was crossing the road near the main gate of Valhalla Golf Club.
Tournament officials said they were “shocked” by the death of local man John Mills, who worked for a field vendor at Valhalla.
Scheffler was not involved in the crash, but he allegedly failed to stop for officers as he drove around the scene of the crash.
Officers then allegedly grabbed Scheffler’s car.
ESPN reporter Jeff Darlington, who was at the scene, said the golfer drove about 10 to 20 yards before stopping at the entrance to Valhalla.
Darlington continued: “At that point, the officer directed Mr. Scheffler to exit the vehicle.
“As he rolled down the window, a police officer grabbed him by the arm and started pulling him. He reached inside the car, opened the car door, pulled Scheffler out, pinned him against the car, and immediately was handcuffed.”
A detective stopped Scheffler’s vehicle and “attempted to give him instructions,” according to the police report.
The report continued: “The subject refused to comply and advanced, dragging Detective Gillis to the ground. Detective Gillis suffered pain, swelling, and abrasions to his left wrist and knee.”
“He was transported to the hospital for further treatment by emergency medical personnel. Detective Gillis’ uniform pants, valued at approximately $80, were damaged beyond repair.”
Scheffler’s lawyer, Steve Romines, said in a statement that the athlete was acting on the instructions of a traffic officer and is suspected of ignoring a signal from another officer “in the confusion.”
“Multiple witnesses confirmed that he did nothing wrong and was simply following instructions,” the statement added.
“He stopped immediately when instructed to do so and at no point did he assault any officers with his vehicle. We intend to litigate this matter if necessary.”
In a speech after the second round, which left him two shots behind the clubhouse lead held by Collin Morikawa, Scheffler expressed his condolences to Mills’ family.
“I can’t imagine what they’re going through this morning,” Scheffler said.
“My situation will be resolved… I can’t go into what happened… My condolences go out to the family.”