Golf pro Scottie Scheffler finishes PGA Championship at Valhalla before set to appear in court.
This week, Scheffler earned a 66-point score, bringing his total to just 13-under. Considering the competition, this may not be enough to place well.
Speaking to journalists after his final round, Scheffler expressed his uncertainty about the legal repercussions he'll face following his arrest for alleged involvement in a hit-and-run incident on Friday morning.
"Honestly, I'm not sure what's next. Tonight, I hope I can get home, but I'm still unsure when I'll depart from here. I haven't had much time to assess the situation outside of golf."
At around 6 am on Friday, while trying to reach Valhalla Golf Club, Scheffler encountered a fatal crash scene. Authorities accuse him of injuring an officer who was directing traffic and subsequently arrested him.
Charges pressed against Scheffler include second-degree assault against a police officer, third-degree criminal mischief, reckless driving, and disregarding traffic signal orders from officers. He was released from jail and resumed play at the tournament.
Scheffler's lawyer, Steven Romines, told CNN that Scheffler intends to enter a plea of not guilty.
The police report released that day indicates that Scheffler was attempting to enter the golf course when an officer dressed in a full police uniform and a yellow reflective raincoat stopped him.
"The subject didn't follow instructions," the report says. "He accelerated forward, pulling Detective Gillis to the ground."
Romines replied to CNN that his client was caught up in a hectic situation.
"Scottie was following directions given by another traffic officer and driving a car with visible player credentials," he stated. "In the chaos, he inadvertently neglected another officer's traffic signals, resulting in these accusations."
Romines added that Scheffler halted right away when instructed and did not attack an officer.
Scheffler shared his point of view, explaining that there was a mix-up about his intentions.
"I was following directions, but there was confusion about what I was supposed to do," he said.
The Jefferson County Attorney's Office informed the media that they have not made any decisions concerning Scheffler's case, only that they're still gathering information and will decide accordingly. Scheffler's trial is scheduled for Tuesday.
On Friday, David Dusek, senior writer at Golfweek, remarked on how Scheffler's arrest contrasts with his previously spotless image.
"Scottie Scheffler has always been known for his clean-cut, exemplary conduct on both the golf course and off it," Dusek said. "Typically calm and level-headed, his standing among fellow golfers is high." Scheffler plans to participate in next week's PGA Tour event, the Charles Schwab Challenge, in Fort Worth, Texas. He lives in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and recently welcomed his first child with his spouse, Meredith.
Contributors to this report include Jill Martin, Andy Rose, and Eric Levenson from CNN.
Read also:
- Prodigies of sport: Littler's predecessors
- Nagelsmann's announcement: A restless Christmas for national team players
- What sports fans prefer to watch on television
- The calm before the upheaval: Nagelsmann's European Championship plans
Despite the legal issues he's facing, Scottie Scheffler remains committed to participating in the upcoming PGA Tour event, the Charles Schwab Challenge.
Regardless of the golf tournament, Scheffler's focus remains on his game, as he continues to prepare for his trial scheduled for Tuesday.
Source: edition.cnn.com
