Scottie Scheffler released a statement addressing Wednesday's decision by the Louisville Metro Police Department to drop all four charges — including a second-degree felony assault of a police officer — stemming from the top-ranked golfer's arrest outside Valhalla Golf Club before the second round of the PGA Championship on May 17.
“Earlier today, I was informed by my attorney, Steve Romines, that all charges were formally dismissed,” Scheffler posted on Instagram.
“… As I stated previously, this was an unfortunate misunderstanding. I hold no ill will toward Officer Gillis. I wish to put this incident behind me and move one, 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.”
“Based upon the totality of the evidence, my office cannot move forward in the prosecution of the charges filed against Mr. Scheffler,” Jefferson County Attorney Mike O’Connell said. “Mr. Scheffler's characterization that this was a ‘big misunderstanding' is corroborated by the evidence.”
On a dark, rainy morning in Louisville, Scheffler attempted to navigate around a chaotic traffic jam by the Valhalla gates caused by an accident that killed a PGA Championship staffer, John Mills. The arresting officer, Detective Bryan Gillis, filed a police report accusing Scheffler of forcibly resisting instructions and “dragging” him with his vehicle. Videos released since the incident, including one on Wednesday, appear to dispute Gillis' account.
After firing a second-round 65 (he finished T8) at the PGA, Scheffler called the situation a “big misunderstanding.”
Last week, the Louisville PD announced that Gillis was internally disciplined but did not dismiss the charges. Scheffler's attorney said they would be pleading not guilty. An arraignment had been set for June 3.
Scheffler did not address the situation during last weekend's Charles Schwab Challenge at Colonial Country Club (he finished runner-up). The world no. 1 is in the field for next week's Signature event, the Memorial at Muirfield Village.
“I appreciate the support during the past two weeks and want to again encourage everyone to remember the real tragedy of May 17,” Scheffler said to conclude his statement. “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. My John rest in peace.”
Follow Us
Subscribe
