JUPITER ISLAND, FL — Freshly released court documents are painting a harrowing picture of the moments leading up to and following the arrest of golf legend Tiger Woods. According to an arrest affidavit obtained Tuesday, Woods, 50, admitted to authorities that he was distracted by his cell phone and the radio just seconds before his Range Rover SUV clipped a truck and overturned on a Florida roadway last Friday.
The revelation comes as part of a detailed filing by the Martin County Sheriff’s Office, which provides the most comprehensive look yet at the 15-time major champion’s physical state during the DUI investigation.
The Anatomy of the Crash
The incident occurred on Jupiter Island when a truck hauling a trailer slowed down to make a turn into a private driveway. Woods, traveling behind the vehicle, reportedly failed to notice the change in speed.
“Woods told authorities that he was looking down at his cell phone and changing the radio station in his SUV,” wrote Deputy Tatiana Levenar in the affidavit.
The resulting collision caused Woods’ SUV to swerve, flip onto its side, and slide down the pavement. In a testament to the vehicle’s safety features—and perhaps a stroke of luck—Woods was able to climb out of the passenger-side window unaided. While the vehicle sustained significant property damage, no life-threatening injuries were reported at the scene.
Signs of Impairment: The “Lethargic” Interview
While Woods was physically able to exit the vehicle, Deputy Levenar’s report describes a man who appeared deeply disoriented. During the initial interview, the deputy noted that Woods was:
- “Sweating profusely” despite the morning air.
- Displaying movements that were “lethargic and slow.”
- Sporting eyes that were “bloodshot and glassy” with “extremely dilated” pupils once his sunglasses were removed.
When questioned about alcohol consumption, Woods was emphatic, stating, “None.” This was later backed up by a breathalyzer test which showed a 0.00% blood alcohol content. However, the focus quickly shifted to prescription medication.
The Prescription Factor: Hydrocodone and More
The most striking detail in the affidavit involves the discovery of controlled substances. A search of Woods’ person revealed two hydrocodone pills in his left pants pocket.
When asked if he had taken any medication that morning, Woods reportedly told deputies, “I take a few.” While the specific names of the other medications were redacted in the public version of the affidavit, the presence of hydrocodone—a potent opioid used for severe pain—has raised significant questions regarding his “normal faculties” at the time of the crash.
| Key Evidence Found | Officer Observation | Woods’ Statement |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Hydrocodone Pills | Slurred speech, slow movement. | “I take a few [pills].” |
| Cell Phone Use | Distracted driving. | “Looking down at phone.” |
| Field Exercises | Limping, stumbling to the right. | “Ankle seizes while walking.” |
A Body Broken by Sport
The investigation was complicated by Woods’ extensive medical history. During the field sobriety exercises, Woods reminded deputies that he has undergone seven back surgeries and more than 20 operations on his right leg—the latter a result of his near-fatal 2021 crash in Los Angeles.
Because Woods complained that his “ankle seizes while walking” and he struggled to maintain balance, Deputy Levenar allowed him to perform several tasks while seated on the bumper of a police cruiser. Even in a seated position, Woods struggled:
- The Pen Test: Woods was instructed to follow a pen with his eyes but “continuously moved his head” despite multiple instructions to keep it still.
- The Hand-Slap Test: Woods counted “one, two” out loud but failed to actually make contact with his hands between counts.
Legal Repercussions and Silence from the Tour
Woods was arrested on suspicion of misdemeanor DUI with property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test (specifically a urine test for drugs). He was processed at the Martin County Jail and released on a $1,000 bond Friday night.
Notably, after the arrest, Woods was taken to the Cleveland Clinic ER South for a wellness check but reportedly refused all medical treatment before being transported back to jail.
As of Tuesday evening, the PGA Tour has remained silent on the matter. Woods, who has spent the last five years attempting a miraculous late-career comeback following his 2021 injuries, now faces a legal battle that could jeopardize his standing in the sport and his sponsorships.
The Road Ahead
This latest incident mirrors the 2017 arrest in Jupiter, where Woods was found asleep at the wheel of his car with multiple prescription drugs in his system. At 50 years old, the “G.O.A.T.” of golf finds himself back in the headlines for the wrong reasons, facing a public and legal reckoning over the intersection of chronic pain management and road safety.
Woods is expected to appear in a Martin County courtroom in the coming weeks. Neither his representatives nor his legal team have issued an official statement regarding the “redacted” medications or the hydrocodone found in his pocket.
Related Content:
- Timeline: Tiger Woods’ history of car accidents and injuries.
- The Legalities of “Refusal”: What happens when you decline a drug test in Florida?
- Opinion: Is it time for Tiger to step away from the wheel?
