World number one golfer Scottie Scheffler was charged with assaulting a police officer outside Valhalla Golf Club before his second round at the US PGA Championship. He was released in time for his tee-off.
The Louisville Metropolitan Department of Corrections posted his mugshot and stated the charges: second-degree assault of a police officer, third-degree criminal mischief, reckless driving, and disregarding traffic signals.
Scheffler claimed it was a misunderstanding. He’s scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday.
Scheffler’s lawyer Steve Romines said,
“Multiple eyewitnesses confirmed that he did not do anything wrong but was simply proceeding as directed”.
Romines added:
“He stopped immediately upon being directed to and never at any point assaulted any officer with his vehicle. We will litigate this matter as needed.”
Friday’s play at the year’s second major was delayed for 80 minutes due to an accident near the course. The Louisville Metro Police Department reported that a shuttle bus had struck and killed a pedestrian outside the golf club.
Scottie Scheffler, though not involved in the accident, reportedly tried to avoid the scene before being halted.
“This morning, I was proceeding as directed by police officers,” Scheffler said.
“It was a very chaotic situation, understandably so considering the tragic accident that had occurred earlier, and there was a big misunderstanding of what I thought I was being asked to do.
“I never intended to disregard any of the instructions. I’m hopeful to put this to the side and focus on golf today.
“Of course, all of us involved in the tournament express our deepest sympathies to the family of the man who passed away in the earlier accident this morning. It truly puts everything in perspective.”
Videos from outside the course in Louisville, Kentucky, depicted Scheffler handcuffed and escorted into the back of a police car.
The police report detailed that Detective Bryan Gillis, attempting to prevent Scheffler from entering the course, was dragged to the ground, sustaining injuries to his wrist and knee. Gillis was in full police uniform and a reflective rain jacket at the time.
Scheffler, not involved in the accident, had an impressive performance in the tournament, carding a four-under-par 67 in the first round and a five-under round of 66 on Friday, placing him two shots off the lead.
