Tiger Woods was looking at phone, showed ‘signs of impairment’ at the time of rollover, police say
Tiger Woods at Fault in Rollover Crash, Shows Impairment Signs, Police Report
Driver Claims Distraction by Cellphone Led to Collision
A Florida sheriff’s deputy reported that Tiger Woods claimed he was focused on his mobile phone at the time of the accident. The golfer, 50, clipped the back of a trailer during a rollover on Friday, according to an incident report. Officials noted that Woods exhibited “several signs of impairment” during the encounter, including bloodshot eyes and an unsteady demeanor.
Truck Driver’s Account of the Incident
Authorities said the truck Woods hit belonged to 43-year-old Jeromy Bullard, who runs a local home cleaning business. The driver told investigators he began turning into a driveway when he glanced at his mirror and noticed Woods approaching at high speed. The Land Rover overtook the vehicle abruptly, attempted to swerve, and collided with the trailer.
Aftermath and Medical Details
Video footage from the scene revealed Woods’ SUV overturned. He exited through a window and was detained on-site. Woods waived an arraignment and entered a not guilty plea, as stated in a court notice by his attorney, Douglas Duncan, who declined to comment further. The incident report also mentioned that Woods had opioid pain pills in his pocket.
Physical Condition and Test Performance
Deputies observed Woods’ movements as “lethargic and slow,” with profuse sweating despite the air-conditioned environment. During a field sobriety test, he struggled to maintain balance, limping and stumbling toward the right. Woods attributed his condition to multiple back and leg surgeries, stating his ankle “seizes” when walking.
Medication Use and DUI Charges
Woods confirmed he was taking prescription medication but denied consuming alcohol. Two white pills, identified as hydrocodone, were found in his left pocket. The drug is used for pain relief. He submitted to a breath test at the jail but refused a urine test. A video showed him leaving the facility later that day.
Historical Incidents Involving Woods
Woods had prior legal issues, including a 2017 DUI arrest in Florida following a similar crash. He later checked himself into a clinic for medication review. In 2021, he suffered severe injuries in a California accident where his vehicle struck a tree, though no impairment was detected at the time. Authorities noted he was driving at least double the speed limit in a 45 mph zone during that incident.
“I’d love to talk about it, but I can’t,” said Ricky Bullard, Jeromy Bullard’s father. “I think everything’s OK.” He added that his son wasn’t hospitalized or seriously hurt.
The Martin County Sheriff’s Office cited approximately $5,000 in damage to the truck and trailer. Woods’ SUV was left on its side, marking the severity of the collision. Officials initiated a DUI investigation after noting his impaired state during the interaction. This incident adds to Woods’ history of traffic violations, highlighting ongoing concerns about his driving habits.
Minyvonne Burke, a senior breaking news reporter for NBC News, and Matt Lavietes, an NBC News reporter, contributed to the coverage. George Solis, a national correspondent for NBC News, also reported on the case.
