Reason for the comment about the officer’s damaged pants when arresting a golf pro

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE) – One of the details that stood out in Friday’s fiasco at the PGA surrounding the arrest of golfer Scottie Scheffler was a comment about the pants the officer was wearing.

“Detective Gillis’ uniform pants, valued at approximately $80, were damaged beyond repair,” the citation states.

The internet wasted no time in creating memes about the comment, which seemed a bit out of place. But it turns out it’s common practice for officers to also include damage to their uniforms in any reimbursement request.

Especially when the LMPD’s reassigned uniforms can cost around $250 once the patches are sewn on and the uniform is fitted. That doesn’t include the boots and belt, which cost an additional $200.

Officials receive some money for the costs, but those funds are taxed. Each officer needs about five or six uniforms for their daily work, an LMPD official explained.

The costs can add up quickly.

Scottie Scheffler was arrested on four charges, including assault on an officer, after police said he disobeyed an officer’s commands and drove off, dragging the officer. The incident occurred early Friday morning near the golf course gate when another fatal accident involving a PGA volunteer occurred.

The citation includes information about Scheffler’s alleged actions, such as driving into oncoming traffic to navigate the crime scene.

The citation adds that the officer suffered injuries to his legs and wrist. He was treated and released from the hospital within hours.

An internet post quoted Scheffler as earning about $19 million in 2024, enough to buy 237,500 pairs of LMPD pants.

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