Following his recent car wreck, Tiger Woods insisted he was fine.
As is customary in accidents, victims are often met by the first emergency responders to manage any injuries sustained in a crash. However, in the pro golfer’s case, it took several requests before he accepted medical attention.
Tiger Woods was involved in a rollover car accident in Jupiter, Florida, a few minutes away from his residence, on March 27. The athlete was then charged with driving under the influence and refusal to submit to a lawful test.
Tiger Woods Described His Version Of The Accident
More details about the car wreck from the golfer’s point of view have come to light, as officials have released body cam footage. The video shows Woods recounting the incident to the authorities while kneeling at the scene. He shed light on what led to the accident, explaining that he took his eyes off the road for a bit to look at his phone.
“I looked down at my phone, and all of a sudden, boom,” the golfer said at one point in the footage. It was previously reported that he admitted to shifting focus from the road to operate his phone and radio right before the wreck. The footage also shows responders checking on Woods, but he insisted he was fine. Later in the video, he was told that medical professionals were still going to carry out a check-up to ensure he did not suffer any injuries.
In response, Woods said that it was fine with him. TMZ reports that onlookers told authorities that Woods caused the crash when he hit the trailer attached to a pickup truck in front of him. They also noted that the driver of the trailer attempted to swerve out of the way, but could not before the golfer’s SUV collided with the back of his trailer.
The Golf Champ Allegedly Showed Visible Signs Of Being Under The Influence
Woods was slammed with two misdemeanor charges: refusing to submit to a lawful test and DUI with property damage. The authorities reported in the arrest affidavit that the 50-year-old showed “severe signs of impairment,” and appeared “lethargic and slow.”
He also told the officers that he takes a few prescription medications, and two loose hydrocodone pills were found in his pocket. Woods, however, agreed to a breathalyzer, which resulted in “triple zeros,” indicating that there was no alcohol in his system, but vehemently refused to undergo a urinalysis to test the actual substances in his system.
One of the deputies described the champ’s eyes as “bloodshot and glassy,” stating that his pupils were “extremely dilated.” The arrest affidavit also showed that Woods appeared “extremely alert” during the investigation.
Tiger Woods Is Determined To Prove His Innocence
Despite the authorities’ reports, Woods has entered a plea of not guilty to the charges against him. To facilitate his case, the golfer has sought legal aid from his long-time lawyer, Douglas Duncan, who represented him in his previous DUI case in 2017.
Back in 2017, Woods tested positive for five variants of drugs, including hydrocodone, which was found in his pocket in this recent wreck. He maintains that this crash occurred solely because he lost concentration looking at his phone and not because he was under the influence of any substance.
Woods has previously disclosed that, owing to his several accidents and injuries, he suffers from extreme pain, causing him to rely on painkillers and prescription opioids. As shared by The Blast, his partner’s former father-in-law, President Donald Trump, is on his side. Trump concurred with Woods’ claims of dealing with great pain from past injuries while assuring the public that the athlete was on the right path.
The 50-Year-Old Intends To Focus On His Health
The champ’s legal representative requested permission to leave the country to seek treatment in a place where his privacy would not be violated. A judge agreed to the request, approving the permission to travel. Woods also sent a message to his fanbase online, sharing his decision to step away from the course to get his life back together.
The Blast detailed that his statement showed that he acknowledged the seriousness of the situation and was ready to take the bull by the horns. Woods stated that he would be away for a period of time, necessary to set priorities straight and prioritize his well-being and recovery.
“I’m committed to taking the time needed to return in a healthier, stronger, and more focused place, both personally and professionally,” part of the statement read. While some fans sympathized with Woods and applauded his decision, others called him out for his not guilty plea, and some claimed he was receiving preferential treatment due to his wealth.
Tiger Woods’ Partner Wants Him To Fix Up
The champ’s lover, Vanessa Trump, has reportedly laid down some ground rules following his DUI arrest, as the recent happenings have put a strain on their relationship. Sources close to the couple have revealed that Vanessa insists her partner puts in serious conscious effort with doctors, counselors, and rehabilitation facilities to ensure he recovers permanently.
They explain that the pain medications he uses must be doctor-supervised, and his rehab program must be strict to avoid any relapse in the near future. Vanessa’s requirements, as shared by insiders, are non-negotiable, and Woods is willing to keep to her terms.
According to The Blast, the stakes are high; this is Woods’s last chance from his partner to ensure permanent results, hence the tough love. She laid it all out on the table for him after he was released from custody, noting that she is indeed disappointed in the golf legend. The ultimatum is that “He has to get things under control, or she’s not going to stick around.”