The Louisville police officer who arrested Scottie Scheffler earlier this month ended the episode with a bizarre rant Wednesday about a pair of “whopping $80 pants” that were “ruined.”
Detective Brian Gillis, who detained the world No. 1-ranked golfer outside Valhalla Golf Club on May 17 ahead of the second round of the PGA Championship, issued a statement after the four charges against Scheffler, 27, were dropped, noting that the expensive trousers were “irreparably damaged.” In the original police report Of the incident.
“P.S,” Gillis concluded his statement, “Yes, the police are making us buy a pair of pants that cost a whopping $80. This is certainly a bad experience for everyone involved, but it’s OK Scotty. I never would have imagined I would lose the most famous pair of pants in the country for weeks because of this. Take care and stay safe.”
Gillis alleged in the initial police report that he was dragged by Scheffler’s vehicle as the two-time Masters champion tried to avoid traffic near the course, causing “pain, swelling and abrasions to his left wrist and knee.”
According to the police report, his “uniform pants (valued at approximately $80)” were discolored after the incident.
At the time of the incident, Scheffler was charged with second-degree assault on a police officer, third-degree criminal damage to property, reckless driving and failing to obey a police officer’s signal while directing traffic.
The reigning Masters champion was trying to get into Valhalla before the tee time for the second round on May 17, but traffic was jammed due to a fatal shuttle bus accident.
In a statement on Wednesday, Gillis offered his condolences to the family of John Mills, who died in the crash, and said he and Schaeffler wanted to move forward in the wake of what happened.
“Mr. Scheffler and I agree that there will be no ill will from this matter going forward,” Gillis said. “Instead of reacting negatively publicly, he has chosen to speak with dignity, humility and respect, and I and my family are grateful for that.”
Gillis criticized Scheffler’s lawyer, Steve Romines, who praised his client at a news conference after the charges were dropped, saying he was “a perfect gentleman, even while sitting in a patrol car after being wrongfully arrested.”
“I was disappointed and disturbed to hear Steve Romines today allege that there was a false arrest and challenge my honesty and integrity,” Gillis said. “I would be surprised and disappointed if Mr. Scheffler actually engaged in these statements.”
“To be clear, I was dragged to the ground by the car and suffered visible injuries to my knee and wrist. I will recover and be OK.”
Gillis said he did not have his body camera on during the incident with Scheffler and was “instructed by his superiors” to do so.
