Tiger Woods was looking at phone, showed ‘signs of impairment’ at the time of rollover, police say
Tiger Woods Was Looking at Phone, Showed ‘Signs of Impairment’ at Time of Rollover, Police Say
Crash Details and Initial Report
Authorities stated that Tiger Woods informed a Florida sheriff’s deputy he had been distracted by his cellphone prior to the rollover incident on Friday. The incident report noted the golfer exhibited “signs of impairment” and had opioid pain pills in his possession. The crash occurred on Jupiter Island, where Woods was arrested and charged with driving under the influence.
According to the report, the driver of a truck claimed he noticed Woods traveling “at high speeds” as he began to turn into a driveway. Woods’ Land Rover “overtook” the truck at the last moment, attempted to swerve, but collided with a trailer. Video footage captured the golfer’s SUV flipped onto its side, with Woods exiting the vehicle through a window before being taken into custody.
Testimony and Physical Condition
During the encounter, the deputy observed several signs of impairment, prompting a request for a DUI investigation. Woods had “bloodshot and glassy” eyes, with “extremely dilated” pupils, and his movements appeared “lethargic and slow.” He was also “sweating profusely” despite being in an air-conditioned car.
“I’d love to talk about it, but I can’t,” said Ricky Bullard, the father of Jeromy Bullard, the truck owner. “I think everything’s OK.”
The incident report identified the truck as belonging to Jeromy Bullard, a 43-year-old local home cleaning company owner. His son sustained minor injuries and was not hospitalized. The vehicle sustained approximately $5,000 in damage, specifically to the rear left fender and wheel of the trailer.
Medical Claims and Substance Use
Woods told the deputy he had multiple operations on his back and leg and that his ankle seizes when walking. He described looking down at his phone, unaware the truck had slowed. The report also noted Woods struggled with the field sobriety test, including a “limping and stumbling to the right” maneuver.
Two white pills, confirmed to be hydrocodone, were found in his left pocket. Hydrocodone is a pain medication, and Woods denied consuming alcohol. He stated he takes “few” prescription pills, which he had ingested earlier that morning.
Legal History and Recent Actions
Woods opted to forgo an arraignment and pleaded not guilty. His attorney, Douglas Duncan, filed the notice with Martin County’s court but did not immediately comment. In 2017, he faced a DUI charge in Florida after a similar incident. At the time, he checked himself into a clinic for medication-related issues.
Earlier this year, Woods was involved in another crash in California, where his vehicle struck a tree and landed on its side. Authorities stated he was driving at least twice the speed limit in a 45 mph zone but found no immediate signs of impairment. He was not charged in that incident.
About the Reporters
Minyvonne Burke is a senior breaking news reporter for NBC News. Matt Lavietes serves as a reporter for NBC News. George Solis is a national correspondent with NBC News.
