Golf legend Tiger Woods expressed surprise upon his arrest for driving under the influence following a rollover crash last Friday in Jupiter Island, Florida.
The incident occurred shortly after 2:00 p.m. ET when Woods’ Land Rover SUV clipped the rear of a truck and overturned on its side. No injuries were reported. Woods told deputies he had been looking at his phone and adjusting the radio when the collision happened.
Bodycam footage released by the Martin County Sheriff’s Office captured Woods, moments after the crash, ending a phone call and informing a deputy, “I was just talking to the president.” He was heard saying “Thank you so much” during the conversation, though the call itself was not recorded.
It remains unclear whether he referred to President Donald Trump, whose former daughter-in-law, Vanessa Trump, has been romantically linked to Woods.
Woods, 50, failed a field sobriety test, during which he exhibited impairment signs, including hiccuping and difficulty following instructions. He attributed his unsteady gait to seven back surgeries and more than 20 procedures on his right leg and ankle.
Deputies discovered two white pills in his pocket, which he identified as Norco, a painkiller containing hydrocodone. He acknowledged taking prescription medications earlier but denied alcohol consumption. A Breathalyzer test returned negative for alcohol, yet he refused a urine test, resulting in an additional misdemeanor charge under Florida law.
In the patrol car, footage showed Woods appearing to nod off. At the sheriff’s office, he maintained he was not drunk but on prescription medication. He was released on bail after eight hours and later fined $163, with a careless driving citation added.
Woods pleaded not guilty to DUI on Wednesday.
Shortly after, he announced he would step away indefinitely from competitive golf to seek treatment and prioritize his health.
Woods has since received court approval to pursue outpatient care abroad.
