Plea for privacy but refusal to talk means Tiger is not out of the woods

Published on Monday 30 November 2009 21:55

ATTEMPTS by golfer Tiger Woods to draw a line under an early-hours car crash that left him dazed and bloodied appeared to have failed last night amid growing speculation over events leading up to the accident.

Yesterday the billionaire said the issue was a private matter and hit out at the "false, unfounded and malicious rumours" surrounding the incident.

Many have taken this to be a reference to an article printed in the National Enquirer before the crash linking the married sportsman and New York nightclub hostess Rachel Uchitel.

Any link has been denied by both parties. But US gossip websites have suggested that the report may have led to a domestic dispute between Woods and his wife, Elin Nordegren, 29, before the accident.

Attempts by Florida state troopers to speak to Woods have been repeatedly thwarted, adding to the intrigue. Officers have been trying since Friday to question Woods about how he came to crash his car into a fire hydrant and tree outside his luxury home in Isleworth, Florida.

A bloodied Woods, 33, was found in the early hours lying in the road with his wife, who police said used a golf club to smash out the back window and help get the golfer out.

Woods released a statement on his website yesterday saying: "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."

He added: "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."

The mystery surrounding the incident was only increased by the golfer's apparent reluctance to speak to police. State troopers went to speak to Woods at his home yesterday but were told by his lawyer that he was unavailable.

"Mr Woods' attorney provided the troopers with Mr Woods' driver's licence information, registration and current proof of insurance as required by Florida law. The crash investigation is ongoing and charges are pending," Florida Highway Patrol said.

Other such attempts to speak to Woods have likewise been blocked.

On the first occasion they were told he was sleeping and they agreed to return later. They were then told that the couple would not be available, and Sunday's meeting was agreed. A further appointment has not been rescheduled.

Highway patrol spokesman Kim Montes has stressed Woods is not being treated differently to other drivers in similar situations. Authorities also released a recording of the 911 call made by Woods' neighbour following the crash.

After the crash, Daniel Saylor, chief of the Windermere Police Department, described what happened.

He said: "From what we understand, his wife came out of the house when she heard the accident, him hitting the fire hydrant, (and] used a golf club – that's what we were told – to break out the rear window to gain entrance into the vehicle, removed him from the vehicle and laid him down in the street. He was in and out of consciousness with lacerations to his upper and lower lip, with a little bit of blood in his mouth, but he was conscious enough to be able to speak a little bit. According to my officers, it was not life-threatening injuries."

Woods has been married for five years and the couple have two young children.