In bodycam footage from Tiger Woods’ DUI arrest last week, the golfer told a police officer that he briefly stepped away from the scene to make a call to U.S. President Donald Trump.
After all, who hasn’t called their girlfriend’s ex-father-in-law after getting into a spot of trouble?
In the police bodycam footage that was released by the Martin County Sheriff’s Dept. on Thursday, Woods is seen talking on the phone and having walked down a path away from the scene of his crashed vehicle.
When a police officer asks Woods to return to the area, Woods replied that he had been talking to the U.S. president.
“Mr. Woods, let me get you to hang with us down here, please,” the officer said in the footage.
“All right, you got it. Thank you, bye,” Woods can be heard saying on the phone before ending the call and placing his phone in his back pocket.
Woods then asked the officer “Is that good?” to which the cop repeated his request for the golfer to return to where a police vehicle was parked.
“Yeah, I was just talking to the president,” Woods replied while walking past the officer.
The White House did not immediately return requests for comment from several news outlets.
Vanessa Trump breaks silence
Meanwhile, Woods’ girlfriend, Vanessa Trump, issued her first public message regarding Woods’ crash and subsequent arrest.
Trump, who is the ex-wife of Donald Trump Jr., took to her Instagram Stories on Friday morning to share an image of herself snuggling up with the golf great, simply writing “Love you” with a pair of heart emojis around the picture.
Earlier this week, it was reported that Vanessa had issued an ultimatum to Woods.
An insider told the Daily Mail that Trump was “pissed” over the incident and that Woods needs to “get his s*** together” or else she would be leaving him.
“She’s not happy at all. She’s both disappointed and a little bit pissed, if I’m being honest,” the insider told the outlet last Saturday, a day after the crash.
“It’s a definite red flag and she told him that he’s going to get this sorted out and that she’s going to require that,” the source added. “He has to get things under control, or she’s not going to stick around.”
According to the report, 48-year-old Trump is a “concerned girlfriend expressing boundaries and saying that he’s got to get his s*** together, like right now.”
What else was in the bodycam footage?
During the 17-minute clip, which includes footage of Woods being transported to jail for processing, the 50-year-old star appears to be sweaty and lethargic, while moving unsteadily as he is questioned by police about the incident.
Woods shares his explanation as to how the crash occurred, admitting to being distracted and looking at his phone as he attempted to overtake a truck.
“I looked down at my phone, and all of a sudden … boom!” Woods tells the officer.
The clip also shows field sobriety tests being administered to Woods, followed by the 15-time major champion being handcuffed and arrested.
While Woods was in the back of the police vehicle, he remained silent, but can be seen yawning, fighting off hiccups, and appearing to briefly fall asleep.
Woods was charged with DUI and property damage following the rollover in Jupiter, Fla. No one was injured.
What Woods has said publicly
On Tuesday, he entered a not-guilty plea while waiving his arraignment and demanding a trial by jury, Fox News reported.
Woods later announced via social media that he will be stepping away from public life to focus on his recovery and long-term health, officially ending any lasting speculation of whether the five-time green jacket winner would play in next week’s Masters Tournament.
“I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in today. 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,” he wrote.
“I’m committed to taking the time needed to return in a healthier, stronger, and more focused place, personally and professionally. I appreciate your understanding and support, and ask for privacy for my family, loved ones and myself at this time.”
On Wednesday, Martin County judge Darren Steele granted Woods a request to attend an “out of country treatment facility” for his rehab.
According to court filings, Woods’ lawyer, Douglas Duncan, stated that “based upon (Woods’) treating physician, the out of treatment facility recommendation is based upon (Woods’) complex clinical presentation and the urgent need for a level of care that cannot safely or effectively be done in the United States as his privacy has been repeatedly compromised.”
Woods also reportedly posted a US$1,150 bond when he was released from Martin County jail last Friday and no travel restrictions were issued.