If you want to whip up some instant popularity in golf these days, it seems you need to get arrested like Scottie Scheffler.
Scheffler was charged with second-degree assault of a police officer (a felony), criminal mischief, reckless driving, and disregarding signals from an officer directing traffic.
He allegedly ignored instructions to stop and drove past a policeman directing traffic. After strapping himself to Scheffler’s car, the officer was hauled away. Detective Bryan Gillis of Louisville was injured in the incident, and his clothes were too damaged to be repaired, according to an arrest record.
Gillis “suffered pain, swelling, and abrasions to his left wrist and knee,” the report continued.
Following his arrest, Scottie Scheffler was released from jail later that morning and made his way to the second round of the PGA Championship on Friday. He fired a five-under 66 to get within three shots of the lead.
His celebrity status had already exploded, as some fans had printed out shirts with his mugshot on them at the event.
Among his supporters was Golf influencer Grace Charis, who not only had his mug shot on her shirt but also had “free Scottie” as a message on the bottom.
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Also Read: Scottie Scheffler’s Lawyer Speaks Out Following No. 1 Golfer’s Arrest At PGA Championship
World Number 1 Golfer Scottie Scheffler Explains “Big Misunderstanding” That Led To His Arrest
World No. 1 golfer Scottie Scheffler was back at Valhalla Golf Club when he decided to release a statement following his arrest Friday morning.
Scheffler entered the course by driving east, according to the police. Scheffler entered the westbound lanes, which were used by outgoing vehicles. According to the citation, Scheffler was stopped to receive instructions by a Louisville Metro detective, who was dressed in uniform and reflective rain gear.
Scheffler “refused to comply,” according to the citation, and he drove off, pulling the detective to the ground. The detective was dragged by the car for ten or fifteen yards during the incident, and that he needed to be treated for minor injuries.
Scheffler later posted to his Instagram story with a statement giving his perspective on what happened:
“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.”
