Body camera footage from the arrest of golf legend Tiger Woods has been made public, offering a detailed look at the moments following his early-morning car crash and subsequent detainment by Florida police.
The footage was released less than a week after Woods was taken into custody near Jupiter, Florida, on charges of driving under the influence. The 41-year-old was found by officers behind the wheel of his Mercedes-Benz, which had sustained significant damage after striking a kerb and a sign.
What the Footage Shows
In the bodycam video, Woods appears disoriented and confused when speaking with officers at the scene. He told police he had been returning home from golfing at a nearby course. Officers noted slurred speech, slow movements, and difficulty following instructions — all documented in the footage.
Woods was administered field sobriety tests, which he struggled to complete. He was subsequently arrested and transported to the Palm Beach County Jail.
No Alcohol Involved — But Medication Raises Questions
A toxicology report later revealed that no alcohol was found in Woods' system. Instead, authorities found a combination of prescription medications, including Vicodin, Dilaudid, Xanax, Ambien, and THC — the active compound found in cannabis.
The case drew widespread attention not only because of Woods' celebrity status, but also because of the growing public conversation around prescription drug use, particularly powerful opioids and sedatives. Critics have long questioned whether the widespread prescribing of such medications — often following surgeries and injuries — creates dependency and dangerous side effects that go largely unaddressed by the medical establishment.
Woods had undergone multiple back surgeries in the years preceding the incident, and had been open about his struggles with pain management.
Woods Accepts Responsibility
Following his release, Woods issued a public statement acknowledging the incident and accepting full responsibility. He entered a diversion programme and agreed to undergo treatment, allowing him to avoid a formal conviction on the DUI charge.
The golf icon later made a remarkable return to professional play, winning the 2019 Masters Tournament — one of sport's most celebrated comeback stories.
Source: CBS News. This article is based on reporting originally published by CBS News.