Kamal Ghorui
Tiger Woods is strapped into a police vehicle following a car crash. (Martin County Sheriff’s Office via AP)
Golf icon Tiger Woods was heard telling a deputy, “I was just talking to the president,” moments after crashing his SUV last week, according to newly released body camera footage of his arrest on DUI charges.The footage, captured after the March 27 crash on Jupiter Island, does not confirm who Woods was referring to. However, speculation has linked the remark to Donald Trump, who later expressed concern, calling Woods a “very close friend” and “an amazing man” dealing with “some difficulty.”
As per an AP report, authorities said Woods admitted he was distracted while driving. “I looked down at my phone, and all of a sudden — boom,” he told an officer, describing how his speeding SUV clipped a truck and rolled onto its side. No injuries were reported.The video shows Woods appearing disoriented during questioning — hiccupping, yawning and repeatedly nodding off in the patrol car. When informed of his arrest, a stunned Woods asked, “I’m being arrested?” to which the deputy replied, “Yes, sir.”Deputy Tatiana Levenar, who conducted the sobriety test, concluded: “I do believe your normal faculties are impaired… you’re under arrest for DUI.” A search of Woods’ pockets revealed two pills, which he identified as Norco, a prescription painkiller containing hydrocodone.Woods insisted he had not consumed alcohol. “I’m not drunk. I’m on prescription medication,” he later told officers, admitting he had taken “a few” medications earlier in the day. A Breathalyzer test showed no alcohol, though he refused a urine test — now a misdemeanor under Florida law.The 50-year-old, who has pleaded not guilty, cited a long history of injuries during the roadside test, including multiple back and leg surgeries that affected his balance.Widely regarded as one of golf’s greatest figures, Woods has battled persistent injuries in recent years and has not played competitively since the The Open Championship in 2024. Following the incident, he announced he would step away indefinitely to focus on his health.
