Tiger Woods receives the Presidential Medal of Freedom, America’s highest civilian award, from President Donald Trump in the Rose Garden, White House, Washington, D.C., on May 6, 2019. Photo by Reuters |
According to newly released footage, the legendary golfer made a phone call right after the rollover crash, New York Post reported.
“Yeah, I was just talking with the president,” he explicitly told police officers, referring to Donald Trump.
The accident occurred on March 27 on Jupiter Island. Woods was driving an SUV and overturned while attempting to overtake a trailer truck at high speeds on a narrow road.
He was then arrested on multiple charges, including driving under the influence.
Police stated that a breathalyzer test showed no alcohol in his system.
However, a physical search revealed two opioid pills in his pocket. These are powerful prescription painkillers known for carrying a high risk of addiction.
In the video, Woods is seen talking on his cell phone when an officer approaches and asks him to remain nearby. A few moments later, the 50-year-old golfer ended the call, saying “thank you so much” before walking toward the officers.
President Trump, a highly avid golfer, had previously confirmed that he spoke with Woods after the incident. He publicly stated that the golfer was living with considerable physical pain due to his extensive history of injuries and surgeries.
Additional footage showed Woods looking exhausted, unsteady and even hiccuping and falling asleep while sitting in the back of a police cruiser.
He told deputies he had briefly looked down at his phone to change the radio station just before the accident occurred.
Upon examination at the scene, authorities noted his eyes were red and his pupils were abnormally dilated. Woods also refused to provide a required urine sample for further evaluation.
Police believe the golfer showed obvious signs of being under the influence of an unknown substance.
Woods is currently facing misdemeanor charges related to the crash. He has been officially charged with driving under the influence, causing property damage and refusing a mandatory test.
This is not the first time he has faced similar legal troubles. In 2017, he was arrested after being found asleep at the wheel due to a mixture of prescription pain medication.
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