Tiger not expected to face charges after single-car crash

Sep 15, 2020; Tiger Woods walks to the fourteenth tee box after playing the 13th hole during a practice round for the 2020 U.S. Open golf tournament at Winged Foot. Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Tiger Woods not expected to face charges after single-car crash

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 2/24/21

Golf and sports icon Tiger Woods is not expected to face any criminal charges following the single-car accident on Tuesday that left him with serious injuries to both legs.

"This is purely an accident," Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva explained on Wednesday, per Emily Shapiro and Meredith Deliso of ABC News. Villanueva added there is no evidence Woods was impaired at the time the crash occurred on Tuesday morning.

"He was not drunk," Villanueva said, according to an ESPN story. "We can throw that one out."

Woods' injuries were not considered life-threatening.

pic.twitter.com/vZitnFV0YA
— Tiger Woods (@TigerWoods) February 24, 2021

As Hayley Smith and Richard Winton explained for the Los Angeles Times, the so-called “black box” from Woods’ SUV should allow investigators to determine how fast the 45-year-old was driving. Villanueva previously said it's believed the vehicle was traveling at a "relatively greater speed than normal" before it rolled over.

Officials will also examine Woods' cellphone records to attempt to determine if he was distracted by something such as a call or text message at the time of the wreck. Villanueva had told reporters that the area where the incident took place has a history of "a high frequency of accidents."

Woods was wearing his seat belt, a decision that ultimately may have saved his life.

"I've seen fatal traffic collisions, so I will say it's very fortunate that Mr. Woods was able to come out of this," Deputy Carlos Gonzalez said.

More must-reads: