Tiger Woods Claims He Was 'Just Talking with the President' in Police Footage After Crash
Newly released bodycam footage shows Tiger Woods on the phone moments after his car crash in Florida, casually informing officers, 'I was just talking with the president.' The incident occurred on a residential road in Jupiter Island, where Woods attempted to overtake another vehicle at high speed in a 30mph zone.
Details of the Crash and Police Response
According to Woods' account, distraction played a key role. 'I looked down at my phone, and all of a sudden... boom!' he told police, describing how his Land Rover clipped a pressure washer trailer and rolled onto its side. Officers found him kneeling on the grass verge upon arrival. Investigators reported he was traveling at 'high speeds', though exact figures were not confirmed.
Police noted Woods' eyes were 'bloodshot and glassy' with 'extremely dilated' pupils. A search uncovered two white pills marked 'M367' in his pocket, identified as hydrocodone, an opioid for severe pain. When questioned about medication, Woods replied, 'I take a few.' A breathalyser test showed no alcohol, but he refused to provide a urine sample.
Arrest and Sobriety Test
Woods was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence, property damage, and refusal to submit to a lawful test. During a field sobriety test, officers observed him 'limping and stumbling', deeming him unfit to drive. Sheriff John Budensiek stated Woods showed 'signs of impairment' and was cooperative but not incriminating himself.
Further footage captures Woods in the back of a police car, yawning, hiccupping, and appearing to fall asleep. At one point, he reached into his pocket, prompting an officer to say, 'No, nothing in your mouth, please.' Woods produced chapstick and asked, 'Am I allowed a lick of this?' The officer bluntly replied, 'Right now, no. It's humid outside, you don't need lip balm.'
Donald Trump's Support and Historical Context
Donald Trump, a long-time friend, publicly backed Woods after the arrest. 'I think he's doing great, he's doing good. He tested negative for alcohol, as you know, and he is under a tremendous physical pressure from his various ailments... the back and the leg,' Trump said. He added, 'He lives a life 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 described Woods as 'a very close friend of mine' and noted their relationship includes Woods receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom during Trump's first term.
This incident is not Woods' first serious crash. In 2021, he suffered major leg injuries in a high-speed accident in Los Angeles, with doctors considering amputation. Throughout his career, Woods has dealt with repeated knee and back issues, often requiring strong pain medication. It also mirrors a 2017 DUI-related arrest where he was found asleep at the wheel, later pleading guilty to reckless driving after a bad mix of prescribed drugs.
