(Adnkronos) – The golf champion Tiger Woods reportedly told an officer he was “on the phone with the president” Donald Trump after the accident on March 27 in Florida, according to a video from the officers’ bodycam. The images, related to the arrest for driving under the influence, show Woods concluding a call with a “thank you very much” shortly before the arrival of law enforcement, without it being possible to verify if Trump was actually on the other end of the line. This was reported by Politico, which contacted the White House, which did not comment on the episode.
In the footage, the golfer – who had just crashed his SUV into a truck, ending up overturning – appears to be struggling during the alcohol test and is subsequently handcuffed after officers detected signs of possible impairment. Woods stated that he had not consumed alcohol, but had taken prescribed medications, including Norco (containing hydrocodone), found in his possession. “I’m not drunk, I’m taking prescribed medications,” he stated, while the breathalyzer did not detect traces of alcohol. The accident, which caused no injuries, reportedly occurred while the athlete was using his phone while driving.
The 50-year-old, who pleaded not guilty, announced his intention to temporarily suspend competitive activity to “get treatment and focus on his health.” Among the most influential figures in golf history, Woods’ career has, however, been affected by serious physical problems, including numerous surgeries and a previous road accident in 2021. After the arrest, President Trump had commented on the episode, calling him “an extraordinary person” and a “dear friend,” while also expressing regret for “some difficulties” he is facing.
