Imagine walking away from a car wreck and the first call you make is to the President of the United States.
That’s apparently what Tiger Woods did after rolling his car last week in Florida – or at least that’s what the legendary golfer told the police.
The crash took place near his home in Jupiter, Florida on Friday, March 27 when the golfer was, according to police, traveling at a high rate of speed on a two-lane road in his Land Rover and attempted to pass a truck that was pulling a trailer. Tiger reportedly sideswiped the trailer, which caused his vehicle to roll over onto the driver’s side.
Shortly after news of the crash began spreading, the sheriff’s office announced that Tiger had been arrested for DUI. In a press conference, authorities said Woods appeared impaired after crawling out of the vehicle, and after field sobriety tests officers believed that he was under the influence of prescription drugs.
After being arrested, Woods was given a breathalyzer which confirmed that he hadn’t been drinking, but refused to submit to a urine test to determine whether he was on anything else. As a result, Tiger was charged with DUI causing property damage and refusal to submit to a urine test following a lawful DUI arrest.
Following his release from jail, Woods announced that he’s stepping away from golf and seeking treatment at a rehab facility, leaving the country due to privacy concerns:
“I know and understands 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.
I’m committed to taking the time needed to return to a healthier, stronger, and more focused place, both personally and professionally. I appreciate your understanding and support, and ask for privacy for my family, loved ones and myself at this time.”
But before seeking help at rehab, Tiger apparently made a call to someone else: His girlfriend’s father-in-law, who also happens to be the President of the United States, Donald Trump.
In newly-released body cam video, police can be seen calling the golfer over as he hangs up a phone call. And Tiger tells them that it was Trump on the other line:
“Yeah, I was just talking to the president.”
Tiger is, of course, dating Vanessa Trump, the ex-wife of Donald Trump Jr. and mother of Kai Trump. And according to reports since the accident, Vanessa wasn’t happy with her boyfriend and issued him an ultimatum in the wake of his latest incident: Go to rehab or we’re done.
When asked about the accident immediately after it happened, the president expressed his sympathy for his friend:
“I feel so badly. He’s got some difficulty. There was an accident, and that’s all I know. Very close friend of mine. He’s an amazing person, an amazing man. But some difficulty.”
And yesterday he again expressed support for the golf legend during an interview with the New York Post:
“He tested negative for alcohol, as you know, and he is under a tremendous physical pressure from his various ailments, you know, the back and the leg. He lives a life of pain. He has a lot of pain. He’s an amazing guy. He’s an amazing athlete. He does have pain.”
