Days After Favorable Bodycam Revelation, Scottie Scheffler’s Tactical Move Restricts Kentucky Court’s Immediate Actions

Scottie Scheffler was driving to Valhalla on Friday when traffic was hampered by a tragic incident involving a volunteer for the PGA. Scheffler allegedly ignored orders and drove off after police directed the scene, which led to an officer being dragged and suffering injuries. Scheffler was taken into custody and was accused of four criminal charges: criminal mischief, reckless driving, and felony assault of a police officer.

Ever since then, there have been numerous updates about the case, such as Scheffler’s attorney saying that they will plead not guilty, rumors of charges being dropped, Bob Wischusen coming out as an eyewitness to the mayhem, and Mayor Craig Greenberg saying that no body cam footage was available. The golfer was expected to be in court on Tuesday, May 21, but as per the reports, the date is now extended to June 3.

Steve Romines, Scheffler’s lawyer, successfully moved the arraignment by pointing out that he was not contacted about the original date. Opting against the request, County Attorney Mike O’Connell said, “The rule says that if you are charged with a felony, you are to be present in arraignment and in all stages of the proceedings.” Romines responded, “If he needs to be here, I’ll have him here. I’m asking the arraignment to continue to June 3 with the same bond conditions.” The argument allowed Scheffler to conveniently dodge the severe penalties that Kentucky law imposes for skipping court hearings.

According to Kentucky law, skipping court can have serious consequences, such as bringing new charges. Such infractions may result in bench warrants, contempt of court proceedings, charges for failing to appear, jail time, fines, and modifications to bail terms. Scheffler’s case would have become more difficult had his arraignment not been rescheduled to next month.

Judge Anne Delahanty was confused too at O’Connell’s rebuttal. “Maybe I’m confused,” she said. “I feel like (Romines) just asking to move the arraignment, not to make his client not here.” O’Connell seemed rigid, and said, “I think we need to get the arraignment done and then let’s begin the process of trying to see when and if this matter can be resolved prior to the next court date and not move the arraignment out…This man should be treated like everyone else in this matter.” 

When questioned about why he does not want the date to be shifted, he responded, “I simply think that is how the matter should be processed. It was set for this date … the standard is when appropriate, not whether we all agree about it, we all think it’s a good idea, it all sounds good. It’s when and if it’s appropriate and respectfully the Commonwealth does not think that this is appropriate to do that, so we don’t have an agreement to judge. I don’t think we’re required to show prejudice, it’s when appropriate.” After all the back and forth, the decision was in the golfer’s favor, and now he is expected to be present in court in person at 9 a.m. on June 3.

Much criticism has been generated by the incident itself, especially in light of the lack of bodycam evidence. When he reported the altercation, Officer Bryan Gillis did not have his body camera turned on. The absence of video proof has heated legal and public arguments concerning the legitimacy of Scheffler’s accusations. Scheffler’s attorney claims that his client followed police directions and never physically harmed the officer.

How has the lack of body cam footage positively affected Scheffler’s case?

Public anger about the lack of bodycam footage has resulted in many demanding that the charges be dismissed. The golf community and enthusiasts have come together in support of Scheffler, casting doubt on the validity of the officer’s allegations in the absence of hard data. The prosecution’s case is made more difficult by Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg’s confirmation that there was no footage, “We have not yet discovered any video of the initial contact between Officer Gillis and Mr. Scheffler.”

Supportive omments have been rolling in ever since the body cam news saw the light of day:

“This is everything you need to know about the LMPD. If the footage backed up their claims it would be viral by now”

“of course it was off”

“So those charges must be dropped surely. You can’t charge someone without proof, your word against theirs.”

Scheffler’s defense team is getting ready for the arraignment on June 3 while he competes in forthcoming events. The verdict in this case might have a big impact on Scheffler’s career. The world watches as one of the best golfers in the game balances his personal and professional lives amid fighiting grave allegations.