Charges have been dropped against Scottie Scheffler stemming from his arrest in Louisville just weeks ago. Local radio news broadcaster Terry Meiners was the first to report that both sides agreed not to pursue any further legal action.
Scheffler was arrested and charged with numerous violations including felony second-degree assault of a police officer stemming from an incident prior to the second round of the PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club.
The Masters champion consistently argued that the incident was the result of a “miscommunication” but the Louisville Metro PD insisted they would let the justice system decide.
Officer Bryan Gillis filed a report claiming Scheffler dragged him to the ground while he was trying to provide instruction for the golfer regarding a traffic tie-up following a fatal pedestrian accident.
The evidence, including video and witness commentary, didn’t seem to support the assertion, however.
As such, Jefferson County Attorney Mike O’Connell moments ago requested the charges be dropped.
“Mr. Scheffler’s characterization that this was a big misunderstanding is corroborated by the evidence,” he told the court.
BREAKING: Jefferson Co. Attorney Mike O'Connell requests that all charges be dropped against Scottie Scheffler. He says, "Mr. Scheffler's characterization that this was a big misunderstanding is corroborated by the evidence." Here's the moment from just minutes ago: @wave3news pic.twitter.com/NeEwF483eA
— Ward Jolles (@wardjolles) May 29, 2024
RELATED: New Video Emerges Of Scottie Scheffler Arrest: Says Officer ‘Hit Me With His Flashlight’
Scottie Scheffler’s Charges Dropped
News of the charges against Scottie Scheffler being dropped comes on the same day that Bounding Into Sports reported on newly surfaced bodycam footage showing the world’s number one golfer asserting that Gillis actually grabbed his arm through the window of his car and hit him with a flashlight.
Additionally, a pole camera subsequently released of the encounter doesn’t show anybody being dragged to the ground as the golfer pulls forward.
A second witness to the arrest claims that if anything, Gillis was the aggressor and at best, may have tripped due to the rainy and dark conditions.
Gillis would also be the recipient of “corrective action” due to his violation of department policy by not activating his own body-worn camera.
“The evidence we reviewed supports the conclusion that Detective [Brian] Gillis was concerned for public safety at the scene when he initiated contact with Mr. Scheffler,” stated O’Connell.
“However, Mr. Scheffler’s actions and the evidence surrounding their exchange during this misunderstanding do not satisfy the elements of any criminal offenses.”
RELATED: PGA Champ Xander Schauffele Sticks Up For Scottie Scheffler: ‘No Mal Intent Meant’
Fans React To The News
Social media was on fire following news that the charges against Scottie Scheffler would be dropped.
The account representing Shooter McGavin posted some funny clips about the charges being dropped, including one from the movie Happy Gilmore.
Judge: “All charges have been dropped against Scottie Scheffler”
— Shooter McGavin (@ShooterMcGavin_) May 29, 2024
*Scheffler looks at Officer Gillis*pic.twitter.com/gPKdmoqt24
Several of the posts responding to Meiners original report of the amicable agreement between the LMPD and Scheffler’s legal team suggest that “Scottie should sue.”
That said, Meiners’ post states that “both sides agree not to pursue any legal action related to the ramifications of the May 17 arrest” which, as evidence has mounted showing overzealous police action, is a godsend for the department.
“So they’re holding his charges as bribery to avoid repercussions?” one account wrote. “Seems illegal.”
“What about the pants? Those were 80 bucks!” another joked, referencing the official police report that complained Officer Gillis’ pants were “damaged beyond repair.”
Others have expressed relief that Scheffler won’t have to endure a prolonged legal battle. But the relief might just be most felt by the LMPD.
The evidence certainly pointed to inconsistencies in their story.
On its surface, it seemed Scottie would have the potential to file a civil suit based on having suffered apparent battery, assault, false imprisonment, and infliction of emotional distress, just to name a few.
Not to mention, while he did manage to shoot a 66 in the PGA Championship on the same day as the arrest, there’s no telling once Scheffler got this wits about him how the whole ordeal may have affected his performance. If he played with a clear head, he might very well have been more competitive in the second major of the year.
Now, we can only hope Scheffler plays the first round of the US Open next month shooting a 62 while wearing a shirt featuring his mugshot.
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