Miami (AFP) – Tiger Woods told police he was on the phone with “the President” immediately after his car crash in Florida and then expressed surprise when he was arrested, body camera video released Thursday showed. Footage showing the immediate aftermath of last week’s rollover car crash that led to Woods stepping away from golf to seek treatment was shared by the Martin County Sheriff’s Office.
“I’ll just keep you down here with us please,” says a police officer to the golf superstar, as authorities investigate the scene. “Yeah, I was just talking with the President,” replies Woods, waving his phone as he walks back toward the officer. The 50-year-old winner of 15 major titles is shown taking a sobriety test and being handcuffed after that.
Related news
“At this time, I do believe your normal faculties are impaired,” a deputy tells Woods. “And you’re under an unknown substance, so at this time you are under arrest for DUI.” “I’m being arrested?” asks Woods, sounding astonished, as his arms are cuffed. Police found two hydrocodone painkiller pills on Woods when he was arrested.
Woods told deputies he had taken “a few” prescription medications earlier in the day and told authorities he had undergone seven back operations and more than 20 surgeries on his right leg, according to the arrest report. In the footage, he is shown telling authorities that he was looking at his phone when he struck the trailer of another vehicle that had slowed in front of him. “I looked down at my phone and all of a sudden, boom,” Woods said.
Woods has pleaded not guilty to driving under the influence. He was also charged with refusing to take a urinalysis test. Woods, who had been hoping to play in next week’s Masters, said this week he plans to step away from golf. He has been granted permission by a judge to leave the United States in order to undergo treatment.
“I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in,” Woods said in a statement. “I am stepping away for a period of time to seek treatment on focus on my health. This is necessary in order for me to prioritize my well-being and work toward lasting recovery. I’m committed to taking the time needed to return in a healthier, stronger and more focused place, both personally and professionally.”
– Trump – The footage does not specify which “President” Woods is referring to. US President Donald Trump, who awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Woods in 2019 and on Friday called him a “very close friend,” told the New York Post on Tuesday that he had spoken with Woods following his arrest. “I have” talked with Woods, Trump told the outlet. “I think he’s doing great, he’s doing good.”
The PGA of America has announced Woods will not serve as captain of the 2027 US Ryder Cup team. The Masters, PGA of America, and PGA Tour all issued statements supporting Woods and his decision to seek treatment. Woods suffered severe injuries in a 2021 car crash in California but returned to competition at the 2022 Masters and finished 47th despite struggling to walk 72 holes at Augusta National. He has not competed in a PGA Tour-level event since missing the cut at the 2024 British Open.
© 2024 AFP
