LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Scottie Scheffler's attorney said the No. 1 golfer in the world was arrested outside of Valhalla Golf Club Friday morning after a "miscommunication" with Louisville Metro Police.
Attorney Steve Romines told WHAS11 there was a fatal crash down the road that had changed the traffic patterns and that Scheffler was unaware this has happened.
Romines said he believes the officer directing traffic around the crash may not have been aware that golfers had previously been allowed to drive around police to get to the venue.
"I think the officer that was directing traffic was maybe not part of the event traffic detail and so that's where the miscommunication arose and that's why we're here," Romines said.
Golfers previously were allowed to bypass police to enter Valhalla, however because of the crash LMPD was no longer letting anyone into the venue.
"They are allowed to go through, that's why they have the credentials, it's their way through," Romines said. "Unaware that there had been a wreck, he proceeded like they'd been instructed to."
According to Scheffler's arrest citation, when the pro golfer tried to drive past the police officer to get into the club, the officer tried to give him instructions, but Scheffler allegedly refused to listen, and accelerated forward "dragging" the officer to the ground.
When asked whether or not Scheffler ever disobeyed an officer's instructions, Romines said, "No, no. He did exactly as he was instructed to do to enter the premises."
LMPD said the officer suffered "pain, swelling, and abrasions" to his left wrist and knee. He was taken to the hospital for further medical treatment. The citation also says the officer's $80 pants were "damaged beyond repair."
When asked why assault of an officer was included in the charges, Romines said he had "no idea." He confirmed that while the other charges are misdemeanors, 2nd-degree assault is a felony if convicted.
Romines issued a full statement saying:
"In the early hours of the morning in preparation of his tee time Scottie was going to the course to begin his pre round preparation. Due to the combination of event traffic and a traffic fatality in the area it was a very chaotic situation. He was proceeding as directed by another traffic officer and driving a marked player’s vehicle with credentials visible. In the confusion, Scottie is alleged to have disregarded a different officer’s traffic signals resulting in these charges. Multiple eyewitnesses have confirmed that he did not do anything wrong but was simply proceeding as directed. He stopped immediately upon being directed to and never at any point assaulted any officer with his vehicle. We will plead not guilty and litigate this matter as needed."
Scheffler returned to Valhalla Golf Club at about 9:15 a.m. and teed off at 10:08 a.m.
"We'll just litigate this case as it comes. Scottie will cooperate fully, and we'll just deal with it as it progresses," Romines said.
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