When news of his arrest broke early Friday morning, golf fans wasted no time in gathering their best Scottie Scheffler t-shirts for day two at the PGA Championship.
Scheffler, 27, was arrested and led away by police in astonishing scenes after trying to enter Valhalla Golf Club for his second round of the tournament on Friday.
The world number 1 is facing four criminal charges – including assault in the second degree – after allegedly injuring Detective Bryan Gillis when he accelerated his vehicle instead of stopping as directed. Gillis reportedly tried to grab the car as he drove away.
The incident, which Scheffler insists was a “major misunderstanding”, occurred after a fatal accident in Valhalla, which delayed the start of the second round by an hour and 20 minutes on Friday.
After going to jail, Scheffler was eventually released by police and was able to return to Valhalla in time to tee off just after 10 a.m. ET.
Golf fans wasted no time in knocking up Scottie Scheffler t-shirts after his astonishing arrest
One t-shirt read ‘Free Scottie’, while Scheffler now reportedly faces four criminal charges
In remarkable footage, the world’s No. 1 golfer was seen being led into a police car in Valhalla
Scheffler was put in jail before being released and returning to the club
He is accused of assaulting a police officer by driving away in his car after being told to stop outside Valhalla, which Scheffler said was a “major misunderstanding.”
And after his dramatic arrest, we saw fans donning t-shirts with photos of his already infamous police mugshot and the slogan “Free Scottie.”
One t-shirt also features a fake photo of Scheffler wearing a gang-style bandana on his head.
Barstool Sports also released their own Scheffler mugshot t-shirts following his arrest, with founder Dave Portnoy insisting he was ‘rolling’ with the two-time Masters champion.
After the fatal crash earlier in the morning, Scheffler reportedly tried to pull around his vehicle he thought was security personnel. In fact, it was the officers who ordered him to stop.
When he didn’t, ESPN claims that an officer even tried to attach himself to Scheffler’s car as he drove another thirty feet before stopping.
The officer in question then allegedly grabbed his car in an attempt to pull it out before opening the door. The golfer was eventually dragged from the vehicle, pushed against it and placed in handcuffs before being taken away and booked into jail.
According to ESPN, Scheffler was arrested by Louisville police at 6:01 a.m. He had tried to enter the court as the media reported that players would be allowed through the gates while everyone else was kept outside.
News of his arrest broke almost immediately and he was booked into the Louisville Metropolitan Department of Corrections at 7:28 a.m. He had to change into an orange jumpsuit before being released at 8:40 am.
He claimed on Instagram later that day that he had misunderstood the police instructions
Detective Bryan Gillis (photo) was taken to hospital with ‘pain, swelling and abrasions’
The criminal complaint also alleges that Scheffler damaged Gillis’ $80 uniform pants “beyond repair.”
He is reportedly facing the following charges, per Golf3:
- Second-degree assault on a police officer, which is a misdemeanor
- Third-degree criminal mischief
- Ignoring traffic signals from an officer directing traffic
“This morning I proceeded as directed by police officers,” Scheffler said in a statement after returning to Valhalla in time for his second round.
‘It was a very chaotic situation, understandable given the tragic accident that had previously occurred, and there was a major misunderstanding about what I thought was being asked of me.
‘It was never my intention to disobey any of the instructions. I hope I can put this aside and focus on golf today.
‘Naturally, all of us involved in the tournament extend our deepest condolences to the family of the man who died in the earlier accident this morning. It really puts everything into perspective.”
According to a police citation released later in the day, Kentucky Detective Bryan Gillis was rushed to the hospital after being dragged to the ground and left with “pain, swelling and abrasions” when Scheffler accelerated his vehicle.
Scheffler returned in time to start his second round at the PGA Championship on Friday
Fans in t-shirts gathered to greet the world number 1 as he pushed his way through crowds of spectators from ninth place
The golfer is also accused of damaging Detective Gillis’ uniform pants, valued at $80.
“Detective Gillis directed traffic to Gate 1 of the Valhalla Golf Course as the road was closed in both directions due to a previous fatal collision,” the citation reads.
‘Specify subject [Scheffler] was driving eastbound to access the track. The subject drove to the westbound lanes, where outbound traffic flowed and to avoid traffic jams.
“Detective Gillis was located in the middle of the westbound lanes, wearing full LMPD uniform and a high-visibility yellow reflective raincoat. Detective Gillis stopped the subject and attempted to give instructions.
‘The victim refused to comply and accelerated forward, pulling Detective Gillis to the ground. Detective Gillis had pain, swelling and abrasions on his left wrist and knee. He was transported to hospital by ambulance personnel for further medical treatment.
Detective Gillis’ uniform pants, valued at approximately $80, were damaged beyond repair.”