World No 1 Golfer Scottie Scheffler Speaks Out After Charges Are Dropped

Scottie Scheffler, the world’s number one golfer, is no longer facing criminal charges. Scheffler was arrested on May 17 as he arrived at the PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club in Kentucky. The arrest occurred after he attempted to drive around a fatal accident scene that had caused a traffic backup.

Initially, Scheffler faced charges including a felony of second-degree assault of a police officer, third-degree criminal mischief, reckless driving, and disregarding traffic signals from an officer directing traffic. However, ESPN has reported that these charges have now been dropped.

Jefferson County Attorney Mike O’Connell announced the decision at a court hearing on Wednesday. “Based upon the totality of the evidence, my office cannot move forward in the prosecution of the charges filed against Mr. Scheffler,” O’Connell said. “Mr. Scheffler’s characterization that this was a ‘big misunderstanding’ is corroborated by the evidence. The evidence we reviewed supports the conclusion that Detective Gillis was concerned for public safety at the scene when he initiated contact with Mr. Scheffler. However, Mr. Scheffler’s actions and the evidence surrounding their exchange during this misunderstanding do not satisfy the elements of any criminal offenses.”

Scheffler, who was not present at the hearing, responded on Instagram Stories. He mentioned that his attorney had notified him of the charges being dropped and emphasized that he holds no ill will toward the officer who arrested him. “As I stated previously, this was an unfortunate misunderstanding. I hold no ill will toward Officer [Bryan] Gillis,” he wrote. “I wish to put this incident behind me and move on, and I hope he will do the same. Police officers have a difficult job and I hold them in high regard. This was a severe miscommunication in a chaotic situation.”

He also expressed gratitude for the support he received and extended his condolences to the family of John Mills, who died in the accident on May 17. “My thoughts and prayers continue to be with John Mills and his family and I hope to personally offer my condolences now that the case is over. May John rest in peace.”