Tiger Woods Admits Phone Distraction Before Florida DUI Arrest
Golfing icon Tiger Woods informed law enforcement officers that he was distracted by his mobile phone and adjusting the radio station moments before a serious car collision in Florida last Friday, according to a newly released police affidavit. The incident resulted in the 15-time major champion being charged with driving under the influence and spending eight hours in jail.
Details of the Crash and Arrest
The accident occurred when Woods' Land Rover rolled over after colliding with a pick-up truck towing a trailer, which he was attempting to overtake on a two-lane road. Remarkably, both Woods and the driver of the other vehicle, who was slowing to turn into a driveway, emerged from the crash without physical injuries. However, the golf star faced immediate legal consequences.
According to the affidavit made public on Tuesday, Woods was observed by investigating deputies to be "sweating profusely" while acting "lethargic and slow" with eyes described as "bloodshot and glassy." He explicitly admitted to authorities that he "was looking down at his cell phone and changing the radio station" and "did not notice the vehicle in front of him had slowed down."
Sobriety Tests and Medication Findings
While Woods passed a breathalyser test for alcohol, Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek confirmed that he refused to submit to a urinary test for drugs. During multiple sobriety exercises, Woods struggled to follow instructions, leading a deputy to conclude that his normal faculties were impaired and he was unable to safely operate a motor vehicle. The report also noted Woods was "extremely alert and talkative" and had "hiccups during the entire investigation."
Woods told police he had not consumed any alcohol but acknowledged taking "a few" prescription medications earlier that morning, while insisting he had not used any illegal substances. A search of his vehicle revealed two white pills identified as hydrocodone, a prescription opioid used for severe pain management.
Historical Context and Recent Events
This incident adds to a troubled history of driving-related issues for the golf legend. Woods was previously arrested on suspicion of DUI offences in 2017 after being found asleep at the wheel in Jupiter, Florida, later pleading guilty to reckless driving. In 2009, he crashed his car into a fire hydrant and tree outside his home, an event that precipitated major revelations about his private life.
The latest crash follows Woods' recent return to competitive action for the first time in over a year during the final night of play in the indoor TGL competition on Tuesday. After that event, Woods expressed hope that he would be fit enough to compete at the Masters tournament next month. The police report also noted that Woods was "limping and stumbling" during the investigation, referencing the extensive medical history from his February 2021 car accident in California, where he suffered multiple leg injuries requiring emergency surgery.
Woods stated he has undergone 20 surgeries on his leg and seven operations on his back as a result of that prior crash. In addition to the DUI charge from this recent incident, he faces charges for property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test.
