Golf icon Tiger Woods was heard telling a deputy, “I was just talking to the president,” moments after he crashed his SUV last week, according to newly released body camera footage from his arrest on a DUI charge.Footage obtained after the March 27 crash on Jupiter Island does not confirm who Woods was referring to. However, speculation has linked the comment to Donald Trump, who later expressed concern, calling Woods a “very close friend” and “a wonderful man” who is dealing with “something difficult”.Authorities said Woods admitted he was distracted while driving, according to an AP report. “I looked down at my phone, and all of a sudden — fast,” he told an officer, describing how his speeding SUV clipped a truck and swerved toward him. No injuries were reported.The video shows Woods appearing distraught during the interrogation — hiccupping, yawning and repeatedly shaking his head in the patrol car. When informed of his arrest, a stunned Woods asked, “I’m being arrested?” To which the deputy replied yes sir.Deputy Tatiana Leonar, who administered the sobriety test, concluded: “I believe your normal faculties are impaired … you are under arrest for DUI.” A search of Woods’ pockets turned up two pills, which he identified as Norco, a prescription painkiller containing hydrocodone.Woods insisted he had not been drinking. “I’m not drunk. I’m taking prescription drugs,” he later told officers, adding that he had taken “a few” drugs earlier in the day. A breathalyzer test showed no alcohol, even though he refused a urine test — now a misdemeanor under Florida law.The 50-year-old, who has pleaded not guilty, cited a long history of injuries during roadside tests, including multiple back and leg surgeries that affected his balance.Widely regarded as one of golf’s greatest figures, Woods has battled constant injuries in recent years and has not played competitively since the Open Championship in 2024. Following the incident, he announced that he would be stepping down indefinitely to focus on his health.
