Woods breaks silence over incident

By Simon Lewis, Press Association Sport, New York Last updated: 30th November 2009

Tiger Woods last night took the blame for the car accident in the early hours of Friday that left him with facial lacerations, but turned away police investigators for the third day in a row.

Golf's world number one issued a statement on his official website late on Sunday in which he took full responsibility for the one-car collision in which he hit a fire hydrant while reversing out of his home in the Orlando, Florida, subdivision of Isleworth.

At the same time, Florida Highway Patrol, the lead investigators in the case, revealed that Woods, 33, had cancelled a scheduled interview with troopers, denying them the opportunity to hear his version of events a third time in the last three days while appointing lawyer Mark NeJame to represent him.

It later emerged that NeJame, described by the Orlando Sentinel newspaper as a "high profile defence attorney in the city", had greeted troopers at Woods' home and provided them with the golfer's driver's licence, car registration and current proof of insurance as required by Florida law following any traffic accident.

"The troopers went to the house to see if they could speak with Mr Wood (sic)," an FHP statement read, mis-spelling the 14-time major winner's name throughout.

"Mr Wood's attorney was present and told investigators that Mr Wood was unavailable for an interview.

"Mr Wood's attorney provided the troopers with Mr Wood's driver's licence information, registration and current proof of insurance as required by Florida Law.

"The crash investigation is ongoing and charges are pending."

Woods' statement added little fresh information on the nature of the incident or the reasons behind his accident.

"As you all know, I had a single-car accident earlier this week, and sustained some injuries. I have some cuts, bruising and right now I'm pretty sore," his statement read.

"This situation is my fault, and it's obviously embarrassing to my family and me. I'm human and I'm not perfect. I will certainly make sure this doesn't happen again."

Woods also moved to counter the speculation that surfaced surrounding what could have prompted the accident.

"This is a private matter and I want to keep it that way," the statement continued.

"Although I understand there is curiosity, the many false, unfounded and malicious rumours that are currently circulating about my family and me are irresponsible.

"The only person responsible for the accident is me. My wife, Elin, acted courageously when she saw I was hurt and in trouble. She was the first person to help me. Any other assertion is absolutely false.

"This incident has been stressful and very difficult for Elin, our family and me. I appreciate all the concern and well wishes that we have received. But, I would also ask for some understanding that my family and I deserve some privacy no matter how intrusive some people can be."

Simon Lewis, Press Association Sport, New York