Tiger Woods' DUI Arrest: Bodycam Footage and Bizarre Remarks Unveiled
Bodycam footage and court filings have shed new light on the moment Tiger Woods was arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) in Florida, revealing a series of unusual remarks he made to police officers. According to documents released on Wednesday, Woods, 50, told investigators he had taken multiple prescription medications, including Vicodin, on the day of the crash that led to his arrest on suspicion of DUI.
Unusual Statements at the Scene
The filing, submitted by prosecutors in Florida as part of routine pretrial discovery, details that Woods referenced drones flying over his home and claimed he had spoken to "the president" after the 27 March crash in Hobe Sound. Specifically, about an hour after the crash, Woods told an officer that "all the drones" were flying over his home and mentioned "10 to 15 drones coming over my ... car" with "GoPros on 'em." He then stepped away while on the phone and, when asked to remain nearby, said he had "just [been] talking to the president trying to get away from ..." before trailing off. The documents do not identify which president he was referring to.
Prosecutors Seek Prescription Records
Prosecutors are seeking access to Woods' prescription records covering the months leading up to the crash, according to a separate filing. His attorneys have objected, arguing the records are private and have asked a judge to determine their relevance to the case. They have also requested a protective order to limit how any records are used and prevent their release through public records requests. Woods has pleaded not guilty to DUI charges stemming from the crash, in which his vehicle struck a trailer and overturned. He told officers he had been looking down at his phone to change the radio station when the collision occurred.
Background and Legal Proceedings
A breath test showed no alcohol in Woods' system, but he refused a urine test for drugs. Prosecutors intend to use his statements, body camera footage, and testimony from multiple law enforcement officers as part of their case. The filing also includes a formal demand that Woods notify prosecutors in advance if he intends to present an alibi defense at trial. Woods was released on bail hours after his arrest and is due back in court next month. In a statement issued days after the crash, the 15-time major champion said he would step away from golf "to seek treatment and focus on my health." A Florida judge has granted his request to travel abroad to enter an inpatient treatment facility, which his attorney said was necessary for an intensive, individualized program.
Previous Incidents and Career Context
Woods has been involved in previous high-profile car incidents, including a life-threatening 2021 crash in Los Angeles and a 2017 DUI arrest linked to prescription medication use. He has struggled in recent years with chronic pain and injuries, including a seventh back procedure and a ruptured achilles tendon. An 82-time winner on the PGA Tour, Woods is tied with Sam Snead for the most victories in history and last won a major at the 2019 Masters, his fifth title at Augusta. Donald Trump said later that day he'd spoken with Woods since the incident, noting the golfer "lives a life of pain" due to his injuries but was "doing great." Woods has been in a relationship with Trump's former daughter-in-law, Vanessa Trump, for more than a year.
