Tiger Woods tells deputy he was ‘talking to the president’ after Florida crash, body camera video shows
Tiger Woods tells deputy he was ‘talking to the president’ after Florida crash, body camera video shows
Following a recent rollover incident involving Tiger Woods in Florida, law enforcement released body camera footage that captures the golfer’s interaction with a deputy. In the video, Woods claims he had just ended a call with “the president,” though it remains unclear if he refers to former President Donald Trump.
Crash Details and Initial Response
The incident occurred on Jupiter Island when Woods’ Land Rover collided with a trailer as a truck maneuvered into a driveway. The video shows a deputy instructing Woods to “just hang out here” after the crash. Woods, who has been charged with DUI, is seen holding a phone while walking away from the officer. Though the conversation is silent, he utters “thank you, thank you” before hanging up.
“Yeah, I was just talking to the president,” Woods says in the footage.
Woods’ vehicle was flipped during the collision, and he later knelt by the roadside, speaking with the deputy. “I looked down at my phone and all of a sudden, boom,” he states, indicating the moment of the accident. The report notes the truck sustained approximately $5,000 in damage, but no injuries were reported.
Impairment and DUI Charges
According to the incident report, Woods exhibited signs of impairment, including bloodshot eyes, dilated pupils, and slow movements. A deputy observed him struggling with field sobriety tests, even stumbling while performing one. Woods explained he was adjusting the radio station when he struck the other vehicle, though he admitted not noticing the truck had slowed.
“How much have you had to drink today?” the deputy asks. “None,” Woods replies, though he mentions taking medications like Motrin and others.
During the arrest, Woods was asked to put his hands behind his back and was handcuffed. A deputy stated, “So at this time, I do believe your normal faculties are impaired and you’re under an unknown substance. So at this time, you’re under arrest for DUI,” according to the footage. Woods questioned, “I’m getting arrested?” to which the deputy confirmed, “Yes, sir.”
Medical Context and Legal Proceedings
The incident report highlights Woods’ history of back and leg surgeries, noting his ankle occasionally seizes during movement. Despite this, he was arrested after the crash and pleaded not guilty to DUI and refusing a urine test. Authorities discovered hydrocodone pills in his pocket, a medication used for pain relief.
“Well, this is fun,” Woods says while in the squad car. “Are you cool back there?” the deputy asks. “Nope,” he responds, adding, “How long will I be at the jail?”
In a social media statement, Woods announced plans to pursue treatment abroad. “I’m committed to taking the time needed to return in a healthier, stronger, and more focused place, both personally and professionally,” he wrote. The sheriff’s office noted Woods took a breath test but declined a urine test. His attorney filed a notice indicating he waived an arraignment earlier this week.
Minyvonne Burke, a senior breaking news reporter for NBC News, and Maya Rosenberg, an assignment editor based in Miami, contributed to this report.
