Tiger Woods - Woods: 'Wife Acted Courageously'

Golf star TIGER WOODS has broken his silence about the car crash that landed him in the hospital on Friday (27Nov09), downplaying rumours the accident was sparked by a violent dispute with his wife.

The sportsman was admitted to hospital in Florida in the early hours of Friday morning after he clipped a fire hydrant when pulling out of his driveway, and smashed into a tree on a neighbour's lawn.

A 911 call released on Sunday (29Nov09) reveals Woods was found in front of his neighbour's home, unconscious and lying outside of his car.

Reports speculated Woods had been arguing with his wife, Elin Nordegren, shortly before the crash.

The couple's relationship has recently been rocked by allegations of an affair between the golfer and a woman named as Rachel Uchitel, who has denied claims of a romance with Woods.

But the golf champion has now praised his wife for helping him in the incident, writing on his website on Sunday, "This situation is my fault and it's obviously embarrassing to my family and me. I'm human and I'm not perfect. I will certainly make sure this doesn't happen again. This is a private matter and I want to keep it that way. Although I understand there is curiosity, the many false, unfounded and malicious rumours that are currently circulating about my family and me are irresponsible.

"The only person responsible for the accident is me. My wife, Elin, acted courageously when she saw I was hurt and in trouble. She was the first person to help me. Any other assertion is absolutely false. This incident has been stressful and very difficult for Elin, our family and me. I appreciate all the concern and well wishes that we have received. But, I would also ask for some understanding that my family and I deserve some privacy no matter how intrusive some people can be."

Woods has so far declined to give a statement to police, cancelling appointments to talk to officers on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.