Scottie Scheffler detained updates — Golf star says ‘it puts everything in perspective’ in new statement after arrest
SCOTTIE Scheffler spoke out following his arrest and release outside Valhalla Golf Club on May 17.
The American pro, 27, was detained in handcuffs in the back of a police car outside Valhalla Golf Club after allegedly trying to drive past cops, according to ESPN's Jeff Darlington.
Scheffler spoke with Darlington later that day and said, “This morning, I was proceeding as directed by police officers.
"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.
“I never intended to disregard any of the instructions. I’m hopeful to put this to the side and focus on golf today.
“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. It truly puts everything in perspective.”
Charges were dropped against Scheffler on May 29.
Read our live blog below for the latest news and updates...
Prosecutors intend to drop charges
Jefferson County Attorney Mike O'Connell announced that Kentucky prosecutors intend to drop the charges against Scottie Scheffler.
Scheffler was initially charged with felony second-degree assault on a police officer, third-degree criminal mischief, reckless driving, and disregarding signals from an officer, according to Jefferson County court records.
The charges came after Scheffler was attempting to enter Valhalla Golf Club for the golf major and was stopped by an officer.
Officers were on the scene following a pedestrian's death earlier that morning.
Governor Andy Beshear releases statement on tragic PGA morning
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear commented on the tragedy that occurred at Valhalla Golf Club earlier today.
Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg releases statement
Mayor Craig Greenberg has released a statement regarding the events that occurred earlier today at Valhalla Golf Club.
Scheffler's attorney comments on the situation
Scottie Scheffler's attorney Steve Romines commented on the golf star's arrest and release before he teed off today.
“We will litigate the case as it goes," Romines said.
“The main thing is he was proceeding exactly as he was directed in a marked vehicle with credentials, he didn’t do anything intentionally wrong," Romines added.
Scottie at Valhalla today in pictures
Scottie Scheffler is playing the second round today at Valhalla Golf Club after his arrest and release earlier this morning.
Fans comment on Scottie Scheffler
Golf fans are taking to social media to share their thoughts on Scottie Scheffler as he continues his second round at Valhalla Golf Club after his arrest and release earlier this morning.
Carolina Hurricanes poke fun at Scheffler's situation
NHL's Carolina Hurricanes are poking some fun at Scottie Scheffler's arrest and release this morning after being eliminated from the playoffs last night against the New York Rangers.
Where does Scheffler stand in competition?
Xander Schauffele led the field after Day 1 in Valhalla after a record-equalling -9 round of 62.
Scheffler teed off five shots off the lead on -5.
The two-time Masters champion has 10 wins on the PGA Tour and finished 2nd in the USPGA last year.
Breaking: Detective hospitalized
Detective Gillis who was identified in the arrest report has been hospitalized after reportedly being dragged by Scottie Scheffler's vehicle earlier this morning.
Gillis was dragged “to the ground” and suffered “pain, swelling, and abrasions to his left wrist” after the car “accelerated forward,” according to Louisville police.
Gillis was taken to the hospital for his injuries, AP reports.
Tragedy early this morning
A man was hit and killed by a shuttle bus outside the course this morning, police told WDRB-TV.
Cops closed the road outside the course, with the second round of the golf major delayed.
Scheffler was involved in a "misunderstanding with traffic flow [that] led to his attempt to drive past a police officer into Valhalla Golf Club," ESPN’s Jeff Darlington reported on X.
Scheffler was reportedly driving a PGA vehicle
The world No.1 golfer, who was due to start the second round at 8:48 am this morning, allegedly drove past a police officer in his SUV.
Markings on the door of the car indicated Scheffler was driving a PGA Championship vehicle.
The cop reportedly screamed at the pro athlete to stop driving and attached himself to the side of the vehicle.
Scheffler stopped driving about 10 meters later, according to ESPN.
The video showed the golfer being marched over to a police car, its lights flashing red and blue before he was guided into the back seat.
Scottie breaks silence
Scottie Scheffler has broken his silence following his arrest and release this morning.
Scheffler shared on his Instagram Story:
“This morning, I was proceeding as directed by police officers. 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.
"I never intended to disregard any of the instructions. I’m hopeful to put this to the side and focus on golf today.
“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. It truly puts everything in perspective.”
PGA of America releases statement
PGA of America released a statement that reads:
“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.”
Scottie Scheffler is practicing
Scottie Scheffler has arrived at the driving range as he gears up for his 10:08 am ET tee time.
This comes after he was arrested and released by police earlier this morning.
Scheffler is facing four charges, according to a police report.
Watch the moment Scottie Scheffler was handcuffed
Scheffler is on the course
Scottie Scheffler walked across the golf course holding an umbrella and was met by cheers from fans.
Scheffler is expected to tee off in just 33 minutes after his arrest and release this morning.
Scottie prepares for tee time
Scottie Scheffler arrived at Valhalla Golf Club at 9:12 am ET.
His second round tee time is 10:08 am.
'Please help me'
Scottie Scheffler was detained after he allegedly failed to follow police orders as cops investigated a pedestrian fatality, according to ESPN.
The world No.1 golfer, who was due to start the second round at 8.48am this morning, allegedly drove past a police officer in his SUV.
Markings on the door of the car indicated Scheffler was driving a PGA Championship vehicle.
The cop reportedly screamed at the pro athlete to stop driving, throwing himself on top of the vehicle.
ESPN journalist Jeff Darlington said he watched as police pulled the golfer from the car, pushed him up against the vehicle, and cuffed him.
The reporter claimed Scheffler looked toward him and said: "Please help me."
Scheffler has arrived
Scottie Scheffler has just arrived at Valhalla Golf Club, according to pictures and videos of the golfer on social media.
Round 2 of the 2024 PGA Championship was delayed due to an accident near the course - and not Scheffler's detention.
Charges revealed
According to the police report, Scottie Scheffler faces the following charges:
- Second-degree assault of a police officer
- Third-degree criminal mischief
- Reckless driving
- Disregarding traffic signals from an officer directing traffic