(Rightallegiance.com) – In a turn of events that has captured the attention of the sports world, world-renowned golfer Scottie Scheffler found himself embroiled in a legal ordeal just as the PGA Championship was getting underway in Louisville, Kentucky. The number one ranked golfer was arrested and charged with felony assault on a police officer early Friday morning amidst the chaos surrounding a tragic accident near the Valhalla Golf Course.
According to Jefferson County court records, Scheffler faces charges of felony second-degree assault on a police officer. Additional charges include third-degree criminal mischief, reckless driving, and failure to heed signals from officers managing traffic at the scene. Despite these serious allegations, Scheffler was released from jail and returned to the course for the second round of the championship, where he continued to compete, receiving applause as he teed off.
The incident unfolded when Scheffler, driving a marked courtesy vehicle, attempted to navigate past the site of a fatal accident that occurred earlier. A pedestrian, identified as John Mills, had been fatally struck by a bus while trying to cross the road leading to the course. The increased police presence due to the accident contributed to the confusion. An attempt by Scheffler to drive around the crash scene led to a confrontation with police. ESPN reporter Jeff Darlington, who witnessed the incident, reported that after being instructed to stop, Scheffler drove a short distance further before being stopped and aggressively handcuffed by an officer.
The police report details that Scheffler allegedly disregarded an officer’s instructions and accelerated, causing Detective Bryan Gillis, who was fully uniformed and wearing a reflective jacket, to be dragged to the ground. Detective Gillis reportedly suffered injuries to his wrist and knee and saw his uniform pants ruined. Scheffler’s attorney, Steven Romines, stated that this was a result of a “big misunderstanding” amid the chaotic scene, asserting that Scheffler was following directions given by another traffic officer at the time. Romines announced that Scheffler plans to plead not guilty and is prepared to contest the charges in court.
Following his release and return to the tournament, Scheffler described the incident as a significant misunderstanding and expressed his intention to focus on the championship. He remarked on the surreal experience of being in a jail cell and the support he received from officers during the booking process. Despite the ordeal, Scheffler managed to perform impressively, finishing the second round tied for third place.
The arrest has cast a shadow over what has been an extraordinary season for Scheffler, who recently won his second Masters title and has been a dominant force in golf. Just days prior to the championship, Scheffler had taken a brief hiatus from the tour to be with his wife, Meredith, for the birth of their first child, Bennett.
The PGA of America has expressed its primary concern for the family of John Mills, the victim of the morning’s accident, while also cooperating with authorities regarding the incident involving Scheffler. Local officials, including Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg and Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, have acknowledged the unfortunate nature of the incident and affirmed their commitment to a thorough investigation.
As the legal proceedings continue, the golf community and fans worldwide are closely watching how this situation unfolds, impacting not only the current championship but also the reputation and career trajectory of one of golf’s leading figures.