World No 1 golfer Scottie Scheffler arrested mid-PGA Tour for assaulting cops, lawyer blames 'miscommunication'

LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY: Scottie Scheffler, the world's number one golfer, was arrested and charged on Friday, May 17, over assaulting a police officer.

The two-time major champion was taken into custody by Louisville Metro Police while trying to escape a traffic stop and enter the Valhalla Golf Club.

The incident took place around 5.45 am local time, claimed ESPN reporter Jeff Darlington, who also recorded it.

What are the charges against champion golfer Scottie Scheffler? 

Scheffler is charged now with the "second-degree assault of a police officer, including multiple misdemeanor charges; third-degree criminal mischief, reckless driving and disregarding traffic signals from an officer directing traffic," per public officer.

As per reports, just around 5 am, a man died after being hit by a shuttle bus while crossing the street.

This led to a stoppage of the traffic towards the golf course, and the second round time was revised from 7.15 am to 8.35 am by PGA of America officials.

Darlington, in his report, shared that the golfer tried to drive around the crash by way of the median, and continued to drive despite a police officer instructing him to stop.

Once he stopped his vehicle, he was pulled out and handcuffed by the authorities.

"Right now, he's going to jail, and there's nothing you can do about it,” the arresting officer told Darlington, according to the reporter.

Scheffler also asked the reporter, “Can you help?” 

Scottie Scheffler talked about his arrest on social media

Later, the 27-year-old shared his side of the story over Instagram, “This morning, I was proceeded as directed by police officers,” he wrote.

“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,” Scheffler continued. “I never intended to disregard any of the instructions. I’m hopeful to put this to the side and focus on golf today.”

Scottie Scheffler’s attorney Steven Romines, labeled the entire incident as a "miscommunication."

"They are allowed to go through, that's why they have the credential and the wave-through," Romines told the outlet.

"He was unaware there had been a wreck, and he proceeded like they'd been instructed to. He did exactly as he was instructed to enter the premises," he told ESPN.

Scheffler also grieved over the pedestrian's death, “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,” he wrote. “It truly puts everything in perspective.”

The PGA of America released a statement, “This morning we were devastated to learn that a worker with one of our vendors was tragically struck and killed by a shuttle bus outside Valhalla Golf Club.”

This is heartbreaking to all of us involved with the PGA Championship. We extend our sincere condolences to their family and loved ones," it continued.

Scheffler was released at 8.40 am ET without bail, Major Jason Logsdon of the Louisville Metro Department of Corrections told ESPN. He arrived back at Valhalla Golf Club around 9.30 am.

Internet reacted to Scottie Scheffler's arrest and release

Netizens shared their thoughts on World's number 1 golfer being arrested mid-tour.

One X user wrote, "Crazy to wake up to this."

"Damn I can’t wait for this body cam to get released - power tripping cops, I’ll bet," the second said.

Another wrote, "Looks like assault to me!"

"Seems like someone is fixing the golf tournament," a fan speculated.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.