Tiger Woods told police he was looking down at his phone to change radio stations before a car crash last week and that pills were found in his pocket when he was arrested, according to a sheriff’s office report.
Woods was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI) on Friday after a car accident on Jupiter Island, Florida, in which the Land Rover he was riding in collided with a pickup truck and overturned.
Woods told investigators he did not realize the truck in front of him had slowed down, according to an arrest affidavit released Tuesday by the Martin Country Sheriff’s Office.
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Sheriff John Budensiek confirmed Friday that Tiger Woods was arrested and charged with drunken driving after his vehicle was involved in a crash.
The affidavit also said the 15-time major champion had “bloodshot and glassy eyes,” “extremely dilated pupils” and appeared “lethargic and sluggish” when he failed several field sobriety exercises.
Woods crawled out of the passenger seat after the crash and was “sweating profusely,” and during a search two white pills identified as hydrocodone, used to treat severe pain, were found in his pockets.
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Paul McGinley, who was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving, believes Tiger Woods should focus on his own well-being and not plan on playing at the upcoming Masters.
The 50-year-old said he was looking at his phone and fiddling with the radio when he crashed into the truck in front of him, causing about $5,000 (£3,770) worth of damage.
Woods walked away unharmed and took a breathalyzer test at the scene, which came back negative, but he refused to submit a urine sample and was jailed for eight hours before being released on bond in the early hours of Saturday morning.
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Andrew Coltart discusses how Tiger Woods’ car accident will affect his chances of playing in the Masters.
The five-time Masters champion (as of March 31) continues to feature in the field for this year’s opening major, with Rory McIlroy returning as the defending champion. If he participates, it will be his first major tournament appearance since The Open in July 2024.
More to follow…
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