Tiger Woods’ recent crash has drawn strong reactions, and now even those close to him are being dragged into the conversation. Justin Thomas has now been named by a sports commentator who believes Woods’ inner circle should have stepped in earlier.
Woods was arrested last Friday by the Martin County Sheriff’s Office on suspicion of DUI with property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test. The incident happened after his Land Rover clipped a trailer and flipped onto its side. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
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Speaking on ESPN’s First Take this week, Chris Russo said Woods is responsible for his own actions but also questioned why no one around him has said anything.
“I’m gonna blame the golf people here too. Justin Thomas is his best friend…the golf media, his agent, how about somebody in the last 15 years say, ‘Tiger, enough of this nonsense’ instead of genuflecting in front of Tiger because he’s an all-time great golfer,” Russo said. “How about someone in the sport puts a stop to this. Take the keys away! Because the next funeral is going to be his or somebody else’s.”
Russo also said the situation should not be seen as sad, but something that could have been avoided.
“It’s not a sad story, it’s a stupid story. This guy is 50 years of age. This has to stop. He’s old enough to know you don’t go in a car, drive down in Jupiter, Florida, and tip it over trying to pass a cleaning vehicle.”
He is not the only one to react strongly. Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy also questioned why Woods continues to drive despite his past.
“When you get behind the wheel impaired, you’re not just putting yourself at risk. You’re putting anybody else on the road and innocent people [at risk]. You can’t make light of it and I have no sympathy for the guy,” Portnoy said.
Tiger Woods has been in similar situations before. In 2017, he was found asleep in his car with the engine running. He later said it was due to a mix of prescription drugs and pleaded guilty to reckless driving.
Still, he prefers to drive himself. A report by PEOPLE Magazine, citing a source close to Tiger Woods, said the decision comes down to privacy. The source added that he does not want someone around him all the time and believes he is fine to drive.
Tiger Woods steps away from golf to focus on recovery
Tiger Woods has decided to take a break from professional golf following his recent arrest, saying he wants to focus on his health. In a statement shared on social media Woods said he understands the situation he is in and needs time away to deal with it.
“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,” he said. “This is necessary in order for me to prioritize my well-being and work toward lasting recovery.”
He added that he plans to take the time needed to come back in a better place, both personally and professionally.
With this decision Tiger Woods is now unlikely to play at the Masters next week. He had been working his way back toward a return after undergoing disc replacement surgery last October. His last official PGA Tour appearance came at the 2024 Open Championship. More recently he played in the TGL Finals Series in March for Jupiter Links.
Edited by Sonali Verma