Tiger Woods Expresses Shock During DUI Arrest in Florida Following Vehicle Crash
Newly released police body camera footage has captured the moment golf legend Tiger Woods was arrested for driving under the influence after a vehicle crash in Florida last week. The video, obtained by the Guardian, shows Woods appearing surprised as officers handcuffed him at the scene.
Field Sobriety Tests Lead to Immediate Arrest
In the footage, Martin County Sheriff's deputy Tatiana Levenar informs Woods that his normal faculties are impaired by an unknown substance, leading to his arrest for DUI. Woods responds with disbelief, asking, "I'm being arrested?" to which Levenar confirms, "Yes, sir." The arrest followed a series of field sobriety exercises conducted on the 50-year-old golfer.
According to Levenar's arrest report, Woods was hiccuping during questioning and had to be instructed to keep his head still. The deputy noted that based on her observations, training, and experience, she believed Woods was impaired and unable to safely operate a motor vehicle.
Hydrocodone Pills Discovered in Woods' Pocket
The bodycam video also documents the moment officers discovered pills in Woods' pocket. When questioned, Woods identified them as "Norco," a reference to hydrocodone, a prescription opioid painkiller. Woods has a documented history of back pain, having undergone multiple surgeries for various injuries over the years.
Woods told police he had been looking down at his phone and changing the radio station just before the incident, in which his Land Rover clipped a truck and rolled onto its side. "I looked down at my phone, and all of a sudden – boom," Woods explains in the footage. He has since pleaded not guilty to the DUI charge and demanded a jury trial.
Claims of Presidential Phone Call and Trump's Comments
In a notable moment from the video, Woods is heard telling an officer that he had just gotten off the phone with "the president." While the call itself is not captured on camera, Woods can be heard saying "thank you, thank you" as he appears to end the conversation. It remains unclear which president he referred to, though Woods has been in a relationship with Donald Trump's former daughter-in-law, Vanessa Trump, for over a year.
Former President Donald Trump, who awarded Woods the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2019, commented on the incident in a phone interview with the New York Post. Trump stated he had spoken with Woods since the crash, noting the golfer "lives a life of pain" due to his injury history but is "doing great." He emphasized that Woods tested negative for alcohol and faces significant physical pressure from ailments, adding, "He doesn't have an alcohol problem, but he does have pain."
Legal Proceedings and Health Focus
Woods took a breath test after the crash, which showed no signs of alcohol consumption, but police reported he refused a urine test. He was released on bail eight hours after his arrest, and his case is scheduled for a hearing on May 5 to assess both parties' readiness for trial.
In a statement on Tuesday, Woods announced he is stepping away from golf "to seek treatment and focus on my health." This decision comes as he has barely played in recent years while recovering from multiple injuries, including a ruptured Achilles tendon. His last appearance on the PGA Tour was in July 2024, though he participated in the TGL indoor league he co-founded with Rory McIlroy last Tuesday.
The incident highlights ongoing challenges for Woods, whose career has been marred by injuries and legal issues, yet he remains a pivotal figure in the sport of golf.
