Donald Trump Comments on Tiger Woods' Health Following DUI Arrest and Car Crash
Former President Donald Trump has publicly addressed the recent legal troubles of professional golfer Tiger Woods, who was arrested and charged with driving under the influence last Friday after flipping his SUV in Jupiter, Florida. In a telephone interview with the New York Post, Trump described Woods as an "amazing guy" and highlighted his ongoing physical struggles.
Details of the Incident and Arrest
The incident occurred when Woods attempted to overtake a tow truck on a narrow road, resulting in his vehicle rolling over. Despite blowing a perfect 0.00 on a breathalyser test, officers at the scene reported signs of impairment. According to a police report allegedly obtained by TMZ on Tuesday, Woods' eyes appeared "bloodshot and glassy" with "extremely dilated" pupils.
While officers conducted a field sobriety test in addition to the breathalyser, Woods refused to provide a urine sample for further testing. Consequently, he was arrested and charged with DUI, destruction of property, and failing to submit to a lawful test. He was transported to the Martin County Jail, where he spent eight hours as mandated by Florida state statute for DUI arrests, before being released to await court proceedings next month.
Trump's Remarks on Woods' Condition
In his interview, Trump emphasized Woods' physical ailments, stating, "He tested negative for alcohol, as you know, and he is under a tremendous physical pressure from his various ailments, you know, the back and the leg. He lives a life of pain. He has a lot of pain. He’s an amazing guy. He’s an amazing athlete. He does have pain. He doesn’t have an alcohol problem, but he does have pain." Trump also referred to Woods as a "very close friend" in the aftermath of the crash.
Additional Allegations from Police Report
The police report further alleged that officers found two white pills in Woods' pant pocket during the arrest, marked 'M367', identified as hydrocodone—an opiate used for severe pain management. Woods reportedly told officers that he had taken his prescribed medication earlier that morning but denied consuming any illegal substances or alcohol. Additionally, he mentioned that he was looking at his mobile phone and changing the radio station just before the crash.
Official Statements from Law Enforcement
Addressing the media outside the Jupiter Island Police Department, Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek provided details of the investigation. He explained that the crash was reported just before 2 p.m., with Woods able to crawl out of the passenger door of his overturned Land Rover. Sheriff Budensiek noted, "Our DUI investigators came to the scene here, and Mr Woods did exemplify signs of impairment. They did several tests on him - of course he did explain the injuries and the surgeries that he had, we did take that into account. But they did do some in-depth roadside tests, and when it was determined, he was placed under arrest."
He added that while alcohol was not suspected, Woods' refusal to submit to a urinalysis test led to the DUI charge, along with property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in the crash involving Woods or the other driver.
