Former Fox News anchor Megyn Kelly is criticizing Tiger Woods for seemingly reaching out to President Donald Trump amid his recent DUI arrest.
“Tiger, which didn’t kick things off on a good note, we now know — thanks to TMZ, which got the body cam from the officer, the footage — he called President Trump,” Kelly, 55, said on a recent episode of her YouTube show, The Megyn Kelly Show. “As soon as he rolled the car and got out of it and the cops were there, he called the president.”
She continued, “Which is a douche move, I think. It’s very clear he called to try to get out of this somehow … There’s a statement where he later says to the cops … on the scene, ‘He was very apologetic for what he did last night.’ The night before, Trump had been on The Five on Fox News and had said, ‘I don’t think Tiger is going to play The Masters this year.’”
Kelly, who has been critical of Trump, 79, in the wake of the U.S. and Israel’s war in Iran, further theorized that Trump “outed a confidence that he received from Tiger” during his Fox News interview regarding the pro golfer’s professional future.
“Keep in mind, he knows Tiger from the golf course — they’re friends — and also Trump’s now former daughter-in-law is dating him. Vanessa Trump, Don Jr.’s ex,” she continued. “So it sounds like Trump said something he wasn’t at liberty to say and had apologized to Tiger in that phone call. So, I suppose there’s a chance that Trump called Tiger to apologize just in the few seconds after the rollover, but I’m gonna go with Tiger called him and asked for some help because he knew this was going to be a PR disaster and potentially a legal one — and both were correct.”
Woods, 50, was arrested on March 27 in Florida after he was involved in a rollover car accident. He was subsequently charged with DUI, property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test after he declined a urinalysis. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The golfer did submit to a breathalyzer resulting in triple zeroes, suggesting Woods was not under the influence of alcohol at the time of the accident. However, authorities believe Woods was under the influence of drugs.
“Our DUI investigators came to the scene here. Mr. Woods did exemplify signs of impairment,” Sheriff John Budensiek said during a press conference. “They did several tests. He did explain the injuries that he had. We did take that into account.”
An arrest affidavit obtained by Us Weekly later revealed that Woods had two hydrocodone pills in his pocket at the time of his arrest and appeared “lethargic and slow,” with eyes that were “bloodshot and glassy” and “extremely dilated” pupils.
On Thursday, April 2, TMZ released body cam footage of Woods’ arrest, showing the golfer telling an officer, “I was just talking to the president.” The golfer was reminded by the officer to stay close to the authorities after he appeared to walk away in order to privately speak to the president.
“Thank you so much. All right. You got it,” Woods could be heard saying into the phone. “Bye.”
The golfer broke his silence on his arrest on Tuesday, March 31, revealing his plans to undergo an unspecified treatment.
“I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in today,” the pro golfer said. “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.”
He continued, “I’ve committed to taking the time needed to return in 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.”
Later that same day, the president gave an “update” on Woods’ condition.
“I think he’s doing great, he’s doing good,” Trump said. “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.”
