Police officer who arrested Scottie Scheffler rants about “damn $80 pants”

golf

From Jaclyn Hendricks

The Louisville police officer who arrested Scottie Scheffler earlier this month closed that chapter on Wednesday with a strange rant about a “broken” pair of “damn $80 pants.”

Det. Bryan Gillis, who arrested the world’s top golfer outside Valhalla Golf Club before the second round of the PGA Championship on May 17, released a statement after the four charges against Scheffler, 27, were dropped, citing the expensive pants, which were “damaged beyond repair,” according to the original police report of the incident.

“PS…” Gillis concluded his statement. “Yes, the department made us buy damn $80 pants. They were actually ruined for those affected. But Scottie, it’s all good. I never thought that because of this I would have the most famous pair of pants in the country for a few weeks. Take care and stay healthy.”

Gillis stated in the original police report that he was dragged by Scheffler’s car as the two-time Masters champion tried to avoid traffic near the track and that he “suffered pain, swelling and abrasions to his left wrist and knee.”

His “uniform pants, valued at approximately $80,” were soiled by the ordeal, the police report said.

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 failure to obey traffic officer signals.

The reigning Masters champion had attempted to get to Valhalla before his second-round tee time on May 17, but a fatal shuttle bus accident had caused traffic to become jammed.

Gillis began his speech Wednesday by expressing condolences to the family of the late John Mills, who died in the accident, before saying that he and Scheffler want to move on from the events.

“Mr. Scheffler and I agree that there will be no future resentment over this matter,” Gillis said. “Instead of reacting negatively in public, he chose to speak with dignity, humility and respect. My family and I appreciate that.”

However, Gillis also took aim at Scheffler’s lawyer Steve Romines, who praised his client in a press conference after the charges were dismissed, saying: “When he sits in the police car after an unlawful arrest, he is still a perfect gentleman.”

“It was unfortunate and disturbing to hear Steve Romines’ comments today claiming a ‘false arrest’ had taken place and questioning my honesty and integrity,” Gillis said. “I would be surprised and disappointed if Mr. Scheffler was actually involved in these statements.”

“To be clear, I was dragged by the car, fell to the ground and suffered visible injuries to my knee and wrist. I will recover from this and everything will be OK.”

Gillis did not have his body camera turned on during the incident with Scheffler and was “advised by his supervisor.”