Tiger Woods Was Reportedly ‘Looking At His Phone’ Before Crash As Police Noted Signs Of Impairment

Tiger Woods was reportedly distracted by his phone and dashboard controls moments before his late-March rollover crash in Florida, according to a newly surfaced police report.

Officials said Woods appeared lethargic at the scene and exhibited signs consistent with impairment.

While a breathalyzer test showed no alcohol in his system, the golf legend reportedly refused a urinalysis. He was subsequently arrested and booked into the Martin County Jail.

Woods has since pleaded not guilty to charges stemming from the incident. However, the arrest, along with his viral mugshot, has prompted fans on social media to call out what they see as a reckless pattern.

Tiger Woods Admits He Was Distracted By Phone Moments Before Impact

Woods reportedly told authorities he was distracted by both his cellphone and his vehicle’s controls in the moments leading up to his crash on Jupiter Island.

Police documents indicate the 15-time major champion was looking down at his phone while attempting to change the radio station, failing to notice a truck ahead that had slowed to make a turn.

According to ESPN, Woods’ Range Rover clipped a trailer attached to the truck, causing the SUV to veer off course, flip onto its side, and slide along the roadway.

Responding deputies from the Martin County Sheriff’s Office noted signs of possible impairment, describing the athlete as “sweating profusely” and moving in a “lethargic and slow” manner at the scene.

The Golf Star Told Police He Took ‘A Few’ Prescription Pills Before Crash

According to the police documents, one of the deputies at the scene requested a formal DUI investigation to evaluate Woods’ condition following the crash.

In the affidavit, the golf icon explained that his mobility has been impacted by a long history of injuries.

The officer noted additional concerns during the encounter, describing Woods’ eyes as “bloodshot and glassy,” and his pupils as “extremely dilated.” When asked if he had consumed alcohol, the former world No. 1 said he had not been drinking. However, he did admit to taking prescription medication, telling officers, “I take a few.”

While the specific medications were redacted from the report, officers later recovered two hydrocodone pills from Woods’ pocket.

Tiger Woods Pleads Not Guilty To DUI-Related Charges

Following the accident, Woods was hit with multiple charges, including driving under the influence, property damage, and refusal to submit to a lawful test.

Court records show the PGA Tour star has since entered a not guilty plea. According to the BBC, Woods filed the response through his legal team after being taken into custody and later released on bail.

The situation echoes a familiar pattern for Woods. In 2017, he likewise pleaded not guilty to a DUI charge before ultimately entering a pre-trial diversion program that led to the charge being reduced to reckless driving.

Woods Officially Out Of The Masters

In the wake of his recent crash and DUI-related charges, Woods has now been ruled out of this year’s Masters, the prestigious tournament held annually at Augusta National.

The decision was confirmed by Augusta chairman Fred Ridley, who expressed the club’s support for the five-time Masters champion in a statement shared on X.

“Augusta National Golf Club and The Masters Tournament fully support Tiger Woods as he focuses on his well-being,” Ridley wrote. “Although Tiger will not be joining us in person next week, his presence will be felt here in Augusta.”

The support has not been well received by fans, however, with some arguing that Woods has become a danger to others.

“What an out-of-touch statement this is for a guy who put other people’s lives at risk again driving like that,” one user commented.

Tiger Woods Announces Break From Golf To Focus On Health And ‘Lasting Recovery’

As the fallout from the incident continues to unfold, Woods has broken his silence and addressed the situation publicly for the first time since the crash.

In a statement shared on X four days after the incident, the golf icon acknowledged the seriousness of what had occurred and revealed he would be stepping away from the sport to focus on his health.

“I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in today,” Woods wrote, adding that he would be “stepping away for a period of time” to prioritize his well-being and work toward “lasting recovery.”