Newly released police body camera footage has provided a stark and detailed look into the DUI arrest of golf legend Tiger Woods following a vehicle crash last week in Florida. The video, obtained by the Guardian, shows Woods expressing shock as officers handcuffed him after conducting field sobriety exercises.
Surprise and Sobriety Tests During Arrest
In the footage, Martin County Sheriff's deputy Tatiana Levenar informs Woods that he is under arrest for driving under the influence, stating, "I do believe your normal faculties are impaired, and you're under an unknown substance." Woods responds with disbelief, asking, "I'm being arrested?" to which Levenar confirms, "Yes, sir." The arrest report notes that Woods was hiccuping during questioning and had difficulty keeping his head still, with Levenar writing that based on her observations and training, she believed his faculties were impaired and he was unsafe to drive.
Pills Found and Phone Call Claims
The bodycam video also captures the moment officers discovered pills in Woods' pocket. Woods identifies them as "Norco," a painkiller later confirmed to be hydrocodone, a prescription opioid. He has a history of back pain and multiple surgeries, which he cited as the reason for the medication. During the incident, Woods told police he was looking down at his phone and changing the radio station when his Land Rover clipped a truck and rolled onto its side, saying, "I looked down at my phone, and all of a sudden – boom."
In a notable moment, Woods is heard telling an officer that he had just gotten off the phone with "the president." While the call itself is not on video, Woods says "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. Donald Trump, who awarded Woods the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2019, commented on the incident, saying he spoke with Woods and noted the golfer "lives a life of pain" from injuries but is "doing great." Trump emphasized that Woods does not have an alcohol problem but suffers from physical pain.
Legal Proceedings and Health Focus
Woods has pleaded not guilty to the DUI charges and demanded a jury trial. After the crash, he took a breath test that showed no alcohol, but police reported he refused a urine test. He was released on bail eight hours post-arrest, with a court hearing scheduled for May 5 to assess trial readiness. In response to the incident, Woods announced he is stepping away from golf "to seek treatment and focus on my health."
Background and Recent Activity
Woods has struggled with injuries in recent years, including a ruptured Achilles tendon, limiting his play on the PGA Tour since July 2024. He last appeared in the TGL indoor league he co-founded with Rory McIlroy. The bodycam footage adds to his legal troubles, highlighting the ongoing challenges in his career and personal life amidst recovery efforts.
