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Tiger Woods Tells Police He Called The President After Crash

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Tiger Woods
Photo Credit: "President Trump Presents the Medal of Freedom to Tiger Woods" by The White House is marked with Public Domain Mark 1.0. To view the terms, visit https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/?ref=openverse.

Tiger Woods told police he had just spoken with President Donald Trump right after his SUV crash in Florida, according to newly released bodycam footage.

The golf legend can be seen on the phone shortly after the wreck before approaching officers and ending the call.

“Thank you so much — all right, you got it, thank you, bye,” Woods says as he walks toward police.

Moments later, he explains who he had been speaking with. “I was just talking with the president,” Woods tells officers.

The footage captures Woods moving around the scene as officers attempt to keep him nearby while they assess the situation.

An officer can be heard calling after him and directing him back toward the patrol area as Woods continues speaking on the phone.

The crash happened Friday when Woods attempted to pass another vehicle at high speed, ultimately clipping a trailer and rolling his SUV.

He was later arrested and charged with driving under the influence, property damage, and refusing to submit to a lawful test.

Police said Woods showed signs of impairment at the scene. His arrest affidavit states he was “limping and stumbling” during a field sobriety test and appeared lethargic, with bloodshot eyes and dilated pupils.

Officers also recovered two pills from his pocket marked “M367,” a form of hydrocodone used to treat severe pain.

A breathalyzer test showed no alcohol in his system. Authorities said Woods refused to take a urine test.

Trump addressed the situation publicly after speaking with Woods. “I think he’s doing great, he’s doing good,” Trump said.

He then pointed to Woods’ physical condition and long history of injuries. “He tested negative for alcohol, as you know, and he is under a tremendous physical pressure from his various ailments… the back and the leg,” Trump continued.

“He lives a life of pain. He has a lot of pain. He’s an amazing guy. He’s an amazing athlete. He does have pain. He doesn’t have an alcohol problem, but he does have pain.”

Later, Trump again voiced support for Woods following his decision to seek treatment.

“It’s a good thing that he’s doing, but he’s going to end up being terrific. He’s a great guy,” Trump said in an interview.

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“He’s one of the greatest people I’ve known. He’s a great champion… he’ll be fine,” he added. “He’s going to be terrific.”

Back at the scene, the bodycam footage shows Woods interacting with officers as they continue their investigation.

At one point, he removes a small container from his pocket and appears to raise it toward his mouth. “No, nothing in your mouth, please,” an officer tells him.

Woods then shows the item, which appears to be lip balm, and asks, “Am I allowed a lick of this?”

The officer declines, telling him, “Right now, no. It’s humid outside, you don’t need lip balm.”

Additional footage released by authorities shows Woods in the back of a police vehicle, appearing dazed and fatigued.

He can be seen yawning, struggling with hiccups, and briefly falling asleep while remaining silent.

Earlier video captured him kneeling near the crash site as medical personnel checked on him. “I looked down at my phone, and all of a sudden… boom!” Woods says in the footage, describing the moment of impact.

He told officers he had been looking at his phone and adjusting the radio when the crash occurred.

Investigators said Woods attempted to pass a pressure-cleaning truck on a two-lane road before striking the trailer. The SUV then rolled onto its side, and Woods crawled out of the vehicle.

Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek said Woods had been traveling at a high rate of speed and showed signs of impairment at the scene.

Budensiek described Woods as cooperative but noted he was not trying to incriminate himself.

Authorities said they could not determine exactly how fast he had been driving. 911 audio from the incident shows the initial concern from those reporting the crash.

“I have a caller on the line reporting from Sirius XM reporting a vehicle accident,” a dispatcher relayed.

Another voice added moments later, “I have Sirius XM on the line advising that a black Range Rover appears to be involved in the collision.”

When asked if anyone had made contact with the driver, the response was immediate. “No ma’am, we haven’t gotten any voice response from them.”

The crash marks the fourth time Woods has been involved in a vehicle accident and the second time he has faced DUI-related charges without alcohol being involved.

Following his arrest, Woods announced he would step away from golf to focus on treatment. “I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in today,” Woods said in a statement.

“I am stepping away for a period of time to seek treatment and focus on my health. This is necessary in order for me to prioritize my well-being and work toward lasting recovery.”

“I’m committed to taking the time needed to return in a healthier, stronger, and more focused place, both personally and professionally. I appreciate your understanding and support, and ask for privacy for my family, loved ones and myself at this time.”

A court filing from his attorney requested permission for Woods to travel outside the United States for treatment.

The filing cited a “complex clinical presentation” and said his care could not be effectively handled domestically due to intense public scrutiny.

A judge approved the request, though the location of the treatment facility was not disclosed.

The PGA of America also confirmed Woods would not serve as Ryder Cup captain as he steps away.

“The PGA of America stands in full support of Tiger Woods as he steps away to focus on his health and well-being,” the organization said.

“We commend Tiger for prioritizing his long-term health and deeply respect the courage it takes to make such a personal decision.”

Separately, Augusta National Golf Club confirmed Woods will not compete in the upcoming Masters.

“Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters Tournament fully support Tiger Woods as he focuses on his well-being,” chairman Fred Ridley said.

“Although Tiger will not be joining us in person next week, his presence will be felt here in Augusta.”

In another development in the golf world, Phil Mickelson also announced he will not participate in the Masters.

“Unfortunately, I will not play in the Masters Tournament next week and will be out for an extended period of time as my family continues to navigate a personal health matter,” Mickelson wrote. “I wish everyone the best of luck and will be watching.”

Watch the full body camera footage from Woods’ arrest here:

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