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 rollover crash in Florida last week, Tiger Woods informed a deputy he had recently spoken with “the president,” as captured in police body camera footage released Thursday. The incident occurred on Jupiter Island when his Land Rover collided with a trailer as a truck turned into a driveway. In the video, Woods is seen walking away from the deputy, holding a phone, and stating, “Yeah, I was just talking to the president.” The exact conversation remains unclear, though he is heard saying “thank you, thank you” before ending the call.
“I looked down at my phone and all of a sudden, boom,” Woods said while kneeling by the road. His SUV remained on its side in the clip, and the deputy noted a medic would examine him. The golfer later explained he was adjusting the radio station when the crash happened, claiming he hadn’t realized the truck had slowed.
The Martin County Sheriff’s Office reported Woods was charged with driving under the influence. During the arrest, a deputy observed “several signs of impairment” and requested a DUI investigation. The report described Woods as having “bloodshot and glassy” eyes, “extremely dilated” pupils, and “lethargic and slow” movements. He struggled with field sobriety tests, limping and stumbling during one exercise.
“None,” Woods replied when asked how much he had consumed. However, he mentioned taking medications including Motrin and ibuprofen. Authorities discovered hydrocodone pills in his pocket, which are used for pain relief. The incident report noted the truck sustained about $5,000 in damage to its rear left fender and the trailer’s wheel, though no injuries were reported.
Woods was arrested Friday and pleaded not guilty earlier this week. His attorney filed a notice stating he waived an arraignment and accepted the DUI charge. During the arrest, he hiccups as he performs tests and is eventually handcuffed. In a social media statement, Woods announced plans to seek 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.
Earlier, President Donald Trump told the New York Post he had spoken with Woods after the crash, describing the golfer as “doing good” but “lives a life of pain.” The White House did not immediately comment on the body camera release. Woods’ pockets were searched, and two pills were found in a plastic bag. The deputy who conducted the arrest concluded, “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.”
Minyvonne Burke is a senior breaking news reporter for NBC News. Maya Rosenberg is an assignment editor based in Miami.
