Timeline Of Tiger Woods' Legal Troubles After Golf Legend Arrested For DUI Near Florida Home

Golf legend Tiger Woods was arrested by police on a DUI (Driving Under Influence) charge Monday morning near his home in Jupiter, Florida, media reports said. He was transported to Palm Beach County and released shortly after.

Later in the day, Woods issued a statement clarifying he had not consumed alcohol, but it was, in fact, an “unexpected reaction” to his prescribed medication.

Read: Golf Legend Tiger Woods Arrested For DUI Near Florida Home

This is not the first time the winner of 14 major tournaments has landed himself in trouble. From a sex scandal that led to his marriage with Elin Nordegren breaking up, to the Thanksgiving car crash incident in November 2009, Woods has been involved in a number of legal issues.

Here’s a timeline of the legal troubles Woods has had:

May 2017

The 41-year-old golf champion was arrested Monday morning for driving under the influence of alcohol. However, in a statement, Woods said, “I want the public to know that alcohol was not involved. What happened was an unexpected reaction to prescribed medications. I didn't realize the mix of medications had affected me so strongly. He was later released on his own recognizance.

August 2010

Nearly after seven years of marriage, Woods separated from wife Elin Nordegren on August 23, 2010, with whom he fathered two children – Sam and Charlie. Even after the divorce, the pair shares custody of their children.

December 2009

Seven women publicly claimed Woods had an affair with them. They even accused him of being a serial cheat. The women included two cocktail waitresses, a pornstar as well as a lingerie model. It is believed Woods’ affairs led to his divorce with Elin.

November 2009

Woods was involved in a major accident that took place November 27, 2009, when he crashed his black Cadillac Escalade into a fire hydrant while driving in Orlando, Florida, after an alleged fight with his wife over Woods’ then mistress Rachel Uchitel. On November 30, 2009, Woods was issued a traffic citation for reckless driving and slapped with a fine of $164. Later, in a statement, Woods denied rumors his wife fought with him over his mistress.

Read: Tiger Woods' Ex-Mistress Cori Rist On DUI Arrest: ‘He’s Going Through A Difficult Time’

July 2002

Woods filed a lawsuit against Alabama-based painter Rick Rush in July 2002 accusing him of exploiting his likeness for unlawful commercial profits, the Guardian reported. However, the court ruled in favor of the small-time painter, allowing him to distribute his work bearing the golfer’s photograph.

The Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals observed Rush’s work was "informational and creative" form of "an expression which is entitled to the full protection of the First Amendment." It also ruled it is not a violation of trademark law, Reporters Committee for the Freedom of the Press said on its website.

1998

In 1998, Jireh Publishing, a small company based in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, issued a limited-edition print of Woods’ painting depicting his 1997 Masters win at Augusta. With the golfer’s photo on it, the prints went up for sale at $700.

The golfer’s lawyers, however, invoked ‘rights of publicity issues’ which made it illegal for anyone to profit from his name or photograph without his permission.

Jireh Publishing owners decided to challenge Woods in court. In April 2000, the Federal District Court in Ohio ruled in favor of the publishing firm stating the painting was “an artist’s creation seeking to express a message.”