Body camera footage released Thursday has provided a jarring gaze at the moments following a car crash involving Tiger Woods, revealing that the golf legend claimed he was “talking to the president” just as authorities were moving to arrest him.
The footage, captured by the Martin County Sheriff’s Office, shows Woods finishing a phone call and telling a deputy, “I was just talking to the president,” before being processed on a DUI charge. While the audio of the conversation itself was not recorded, Woods can be heard saying, “Thank you so much,” as he ended the call and faced the officers on the scene.
The incident stems from a March 27 crash on a residential road on Jupiter Island, Florida, where Woods’ speeding Land Rover clipped the rear of a truck and rolled onto its side. No injuries were reported in the accident, but the subsequent investigation led to a series of legal charges and a public admission from Woods that he is stepping away from the game indefinitely to focus on his health and seek treatment.
The revelation that Tiger Woods said he was ‘talking to president,’ footage says, has drawn immediate attention to his relationship with Donald Trump. Shortly after the arrest, Trump described Woods as a “remarkably close friend” and an “amazing man,” though he noted that the golfer was experiencing “some difficulty.” The connection is further complicated by the fact that Woods is currently dating Vanessa Trump, the former daughter-in-law of the former president.
The Sequence of the Arrest
The bodycam footage offers a minute-by-minute account of the roadside encounter. Woods is seen kneeling on a lawn, appearing disoriented as he explains the cause of the rollover. “I looked down at my phone, and all of a sudden — boom,” Woods told an officer, admitting that he had been looking at his device and attempting to change the radio station at the time of the collision.
As Martin County Sheriff’s Deputy Tatiana Levenar conducted a field sobriety test, she noted that Woods’ faculties appeared impaired. The footage captures the moment of arrest, where Woods appears genuinely shocked. “I’m being arrested?” he asked, to which Levenar responded, “Yes, sir.”
Subsequent footage from the back of a patrol car depicts a different side of the encounter. During the 15-minute ride to the sheriff’s office, Woods is seen hiccuping, yawning, and repeatedly nodding off while handcuffed. In her official report, Deputy Levenar stated that based on her training and observations of his performance during the exercises, she believed Woods was unable to safely operate a motor vehicle.
Prescription Medication and Physical Struggles
A central point of the legal dispute involves the substances in Woods’ system. During a search of his pockets, deputies discovered two white pills. Woods identified them as “Norco,” a painkiller containing acetaminophen and the opioid hydrocodone, which authorities later confirmed.
Woods maintained throughout the process that he had not consumed alcohol. At the sheriff’s office, according to a supplemental report, he stated, “I’m not drunk. I’m on a prescription medication.”
The footage also highlights the severe physical toll of Woods’ previous injuries. During the sobriety tests, deputies observed him limping and wearing a compression sock on his right knee. Woods explained that his mobility is severely limited due to seven back surgeries and more than 20 surgeries on his right leg, noting that his ankle frequently seizes up while walking. These injuries are largely the result of a 2021 car accident in Los Angeles that nearly resulted in the amputation of his leg.
Legal Status and Charges
Woods, 50, pleaded not guilty to the DUI charge on Tuesday. In addition to the DUI, the Martin County Sheriff’s Office added a charge of careless driving on Thursday, resulting in a $163 fine. A complicating factor in the case is Woods’ refusal to submit to a urine test, whereas he did agree to a Breathalyzer, which showed no signs of alcohol.
Under a recent change to Florida state law, the refusal to provide a breath, blood, or urine sample upon an officer’s request is classified as a misdemeanor, regardless of whether It’s a first-time offense.
| Category | Detail | Status/Observation |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Charge | DUI | Pleaded Not Guilty |
| Additional Charge | Careless Driving | Fined $163 |
| Substances Found | Hydrocodone (Norco) | Prescription Medication |
| Test Refusal | Urine Sample | Misdemeanor under FL law |
| Physical Condition | Leg/Back Injuries | 20+ surgeries reported |
The “Sticks” and the Masters
Despite the gravity of the arrest, the footage captures a moment of levity involving Woods’ equipment. When a Jupiter Island police officer asked if there was anything he needed retrieved from his wrecked SUV, Woods replied simply, “My sticks.”
The officer joked that the clubs were likely worth more than his house, a sentiment echoed by Woods’ longtime manager and friend, Rob McNamara, who added that the putter alone was worth more than all their houses combined. Woods took the opportunity to remind the officer that he had used that specific putter to win 14 major championships.
The conversation briefly turned to the future of his career. When asked if he still planned to play in the Masters, Woods responded, “I’m hoping to.” However, his subsequent announcement that he is stepping away indefinitely to seek treatment suggests that a return to the green in the immediate future is unlikely.
Disclaimer: This article contains information regarding legal proceedings and the use of prescription medications. It is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice.
The next confirmed checkpoint in this case will be the upcoming court hearings regarding the DUI charge and the misdemeanor charge for the refused drug test. Further updates are expected as the Martin County Sheriff’s Office processes additional evidence.
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