Bodycam footage from police officers at the scene of Tiger Woods’ rollover crash and subsequent DUI arrest shows the golf legend looking dazed before appearing to fall asleep in a police car.
In the footage released Thursday by the Martin County Sherrif’s Office, Woods is first seen kneeling on the side of the road before being approached by an officer.
During the 17-minute clip, which also 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., on Friday. 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’ attorney, 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 $1,150 bond when he was released from Martin County jail last Friday and no travel restrictions were issued.
Woods allegedly had pills in his pocket
Woods not only allegedly admitted to being distracted before his rollover crash last week, but also had two opioid pills in his pocket at the time, according to police.
In his arrest affidavit — which was obtained by TMZ and ESPN on Tuesday — police said that they allegedly found two loose, white pills inside Woods’ left pants pocket during a search after the crash. The pills were allegedly marked “M367” and revealed to be hydrocodone — a powerful, semi-synthetic opioid used to treat severe pain.
During the investigation, Woods was asked if he takes any prescription medication, to which he allegedly replied, “I take a few.” He also allegedly admitted that he had taken that medication earlier in the morning.
A Martin County Sheriff’s deputy reported in the affidavit that Woods allegedly had “bloodshot and glassy” eyes and “extremely dilated” pupils. He also was “lethargic and slow” and “sweating profusely” after the crash, the affidavit said.
What was Woods doing before crash?
While the 15-time major champion agreed to take field sobriety tests, he appeared to be favouring an injured leg – he was wearing a compression sock over his right knee – and was “limping and stumbling to the right.”
Woods said that it was due to his seven back surgeries and more than 20 operations on his leg.
The affidavit also said that Woods told police he was distracted before the crash, allegedly admitting to looking down at his phone and changing the radio station when he clipped a truck with his Land Rover and rolled the SUV onto its side.
Woods allegedly told investigators that he didn’t realize the truck in front of him had slowed down.