Tiger Woods Tells Police He Was 'Talking to the President' After Florida Car Crash
Newly released bodycam footage from the Martin County Sheriff's Office in Florida shows golf legend Tiger Woods claiming he was 'just talking to the president' during a phone call immediately following a serious car accident. The incident, which occurred last week on Jupiter Island, led to the arrest of the 50-year-old, 15-time major winner on multiple charges.
Details of the Crash and Arrest
Woods was involved in a collision where he clipped a trailer he was attempting to overtake, causing his black Range Rover to roll onto its side at a junction. Miraculously, he escaped unhurt, as did the driver of the other vehicle, who reported being stationary at the time of the crash. Following the accident, Woods was charged with driving under the influence, property damage, and refusal to submit to a lawful test.
He was arrested and spent eight hours in custody before being released on bail. Court documents from Martin County indicate that Woods formally skipped an initial court appearance but entered a written plea of not guilty through his lawyers, demanding a jury trial.
Bodycam Footage Reveals Startling Claims
The footage captures Woods making a phone call, during which he can be heard saying 'thank you so much' before an officer asks him to stay put. Woods then responds, 'Yeah, I was just talking to the president.' It remains unclear whether he was referring to former President Donald Trump, who later expressed sympathy for Woods, calling him a 'very close friend' and 'an amazing person.'
In further clips, Woods describes the moment of impact, stating he looked down at his phone and suddenly felt a 'boom'. He was seen wearing sunglasses and kneeling on a grass verge, being assessed for injuries. When asked if he was comfortable, he replied affirmatively, and officers arranged for a medical check-up.
Sobriety Tests and Medication Discovery
Additional footage shows Woods undergoing sobriety tests, during which two hydrocodone pills—a prescription opioid for severe pain—were found in his pocket. When questioned by police, Woods denied consuming any alcohol but admitted to taking medication earlier that morning. After the tests, he was handcuffed and informed that his faculties appeared impaired, leading to his DUI arrest.
Historical Context and Career Impact
This marks the fourth motoring accident involving Woods since 2009. He has undergone numerous surgeries, particularly to his leg and ankle, following a serious crash in 2021. Prior to this incident, there was speculation about his participation in the Masters, an event he has won five times, but he will now not compete.
Moreover, the PGA of America announced that Woods has declined the opportunity to captain the United States at the 2027 Ryder Cup, opting instead to step away from golf to focus on his health and wellbeing. This decision underscores the broader implications of the crash on his professional and personal life.
