Abc News Just In: Bodycam Shows Tiger Woods Saying He ‘Was Just Talking to the President’ After Arrest
abc news just in: Bodycam footage released Thursday shows Tiger Woods appearing shocked as deputies handcuffed him after a rollover crash in Florida, saying “I’m being arrested?” and telling an officer he had been “talking to the president” on the phone; officers found hydrocodone pills in his pocket. The 50-year-old pleaded not guilty to DUI charges, demanded a jury trial and was released on bail after eight hours. He has said he will step away from golf to seek treatment as legal and sporting officials respond.
Abc News Just In — What the bodycam shows
The footage captures Martin County Sheriff’s deputy Tatiana Levenar conducting field sobriety exercises and telling Woods, “I do believe your normal faculties are impaired, and you’re under an unknown substance, so at this time you’re under arrest for DUI. ” Woods can be heard asking, “I’m being arrested?” and later telling an officer, “I was just talking to the president, ” while holding his phone; the call itself is not on the video. Officers found pills in his pocket that he identified as a Norco, a reference in the footage to hydrocodone, a prescription opioid.
On the scene Woods told deputies he had been looking down at his phone and changing the radio station before the vehicle clipped a truck and rolled onto its side. The arrest report notes signs such as hiccuping and the need to be told to keep his head still. Woods denied drinking alcohol that day but admitted taking “a few medications. ” He submitted to a breath test that showed no signs of alcohol and refused a urine test.
Reactions from officials and the sport
Sir Nick Faldo, the three-time green jacket winner, sharply criticized the governing tour’s response, calling it “predictably weak” and urging “some accountability” for the incident. The PGA Tour issued a statement expressing support for Woods, saying: “Tiger Woods is a legend of our sport whose impact extends far beyond his achievements on the course… But above all else, Tiger is a person, and our focus is on his health and wellbeing. Tiger continues to have our full support as he takes this important step. “
The PGA of America has announced that Woods will not captain the U. S. Ryder Cup team in Ireland next year. A judge has granted Woods permission to leave the United States for treatment, and he has declared he will not play in the upcoming Masters as he focuses on recovery.
Next steps and legal timetable
Woods has pleaded not guilty and demanded a jury trial; the case is due back in court on May 5 (ET). He was released on bail eight hours after his arrest. Officials and sporting bodies are now balancing medical and disciplinary questions, while Woods has stated he will step away from competition to seek treatment.
abc news just in: Bodycam footage, the arrest report by Deputy Tatiana Levenar, statements from Sir Nick Faldo and responses from the PGA Tour and the PGA of America form the immediate record; attention will turn to the May 5 court hearing (ET) and any formal decisions by golf authorities about longer-term consequences.
