After new video footage of Scottie Scheffler’s arrest was released on Thursday, the world’s No. 1-ranked golfer’s lawyer continues to maintain his client’s innocence.
Steve Romines told reporters Thursday that he would not seek to settle the case against Scheffler, who is charged with second-degree assault on a police officer, third-degree criminal damage to property, reckless driving and failing to obey an officer’s signals during a traffic control.
“Scotty Scheffler has done nothing wrong,” Romines said. “We are not interested in settling this case. It’s either go to trial or it’s dismissed. It’s that simple. Evidence after evidence continues to support what Scotty has been saying all along: This is a confusing situation, a miscommunication, and he has done nothing wrong.”
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Scottie Scheffler leaves the first green during the final round of the PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville on May 19, 2024. (Adam Cairns/USA Today Sports)
Louisville Police Chief Jacqueline Gwynn Villarroel announced at a joint press conference with Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg on Thursday morning that Detective Brian Gillis, who arrested Scheffler, received “corrective action” as a result of an internal investigation into the incident.
Gwynn Villaroel said Detective Gillis failed to turn on his body camera, as required.
“His failure to do so violates LMPD’s uniform and equipment regulations, subject category body cameras,” Gwynn Villarroel said.
“We understand the seriousness of not recording this interaction. As a result, our staff member has received corrective action for violating this policy, which has been documented on a performance observation form in line with our disciplinary protocols and practices. We respect the judicial process and will proceed accordingly. We have no further statement to make on this matter.”
Louisville police officers violated regulations by not turning on their body cameras during the arrest of Scottie Scheffler
Mayor Greenberg also released a statement, speaking about the importance of body cameras and saying all involved, including the PGA Tour star, “want to move forward.”
“It is vital that police have the evidence to maintain the trust of the community and be transparent by activating body cameras,” he said. “The Louisville Police Department needs to focus on reducing violent crime and gun violence in our city, protecting people and keeping them safe.”
“They do that every day. They’ve been doing that since last Friday when they were working with units at Valhalla and Shelbyville Road, and they’ll continue to do that.”
A spectator wears a T-shirt supporting Scottie Scheffler during the second round of the 2024 PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club on May 17, 2024 in Louisville. (David Cannon/Getty Images)
Word of Scheffler’s arrest spread quickly in the early morning hours of May 17, when ESPN’s Jeff Darlington posted a video of Scheffler being handcuffed and walking to a police vehicle. Scheffler was subsequently arrested while still wearing an orange jumpsuit, and his mugshot was circulated across social media.
Scheffler released a statement saying it was a “major misunderstanding” and was able to play in the second round of the PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club.
According to the arrest report, Scheffler was driving a PGA-approved courtesy vehicle, but officers said Scheffler “refused to comply with commands, accelerated and dragged the officer to the ground.”
However, video footage released to the public shows police officers rushing to Schaeffler’s car as he was entering the golf course, banging on the window of Schaeffler’s car, and then he was arrested.
Scheffler praised the Louisiana State Police, saying, “They’ve been really gracious. We have such a strong police force and they are our protectors and we’re grateful. And like I said, we just found ourselves in a chaotic situation this morning. That’s really all.”
Scottie Scheffler leaves the 18th green during the final round of the 2024 PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club on May 19, 2024 in Louisville. (Ross Kinnard/Getty Images)
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Scheffler’s arraignment date has been postponed to June 3 due to Romines’ scheduling conflicts, but there are reports that all charges against Scheffler may be dropped.
Scheffler will compete in the Charles Schwab Challenge in Fort Worth, Texas this week.
Fox News’ Paulina Deday contributed to this report.
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