Donald Trump came to Tiger Woods‘ defense Wednesday after the 15-time major champion reached a plea agreement that ended his Florida impaired-driving case with a five-year suspension of his driver’s license.
Trump, speaking after Woods appeared in Martin County court, described the golfer as a close friend and emphasized the physical pain Woods has endured throughout his career.
The president also pointed to the prescription medication Woods had taken before the March rollover crash.
“Well, look, I know Tiger very well. He’s a great guy. He’s unique in so many ways, especially as an athlete but also as a man,” Trump said.
“He suffers great pain, great pain. It’s a very tough situation because they didn’t find alcohol on him. He didn’t test positive at all for alcohol, but because of his horrible back, because of his bad doctor, but he had a back operation that did not work out well, and he is under pain.
“And so it’s a tough deal when you’re taking a painkiller because you’re under pain and tremendous pain, and you have a problem and you test positive. He would have told him that. I mean, it’s a prescription painkiller.
“But I thought it was very fair, he’s going to have somebody drive him. I told him that a long time, ‘why don’t you just get somebody to drive you?’ So he’s going to have somebody drive him from now on, and you know, he’s just a very special guy and I’m glad it’s resolved.”
The comments came hours after Woods appeared at the Martin County Courthouse in Stuart, Florida, where prosecutors and his defense team finalized a deal that significantly reduced the charges against him.
Woods, 50, entered a no-contest plea to reckless driving, while another charge was reduced to careless driving. He received a $1,000 fine for the reckless-driving conviction and another $500 fine for the careless-driving charge.
The two five-year license suspensions will run concurrently, meaning Woods cannot legally drive for five years rather than facing consecutive bans.
The agreement allowed Woods to avoid a conviction on the original DUI allegation. Prosecutors had initially accused him of driving under the influence with property damage and refusing to submit to a lawful test following the March 27 crash near his Jupiter Island home.
Woods’ medication became central to the case
The crash became a major story after Woods‘ Land Rover overturned while he was driving near his Florida residence.
Authorities reported signs that raised concerns about impairment, while a breath test showed no alcohol in his system. Woods also declined to provide a urine sample, according to authorities.
Investigators found two pills that were later identified as hydrocodone, a prescription opioid commonly used for pain. Woods had told officers that he had taken prescription medications earlier that day.
However, the prosecution’s case faced a significant hurdle when toxicologists reviewed Woods‘ medical and prescription history.
State Attorney Thomas Bakkedahl said two toxicologists concluded there was insufficient evidence to prove Woods was impaired by hydrocodone at the time of the crash and found that he had developed a pharmacological tolerance to pain medication after years of use.
That evidence helped pave the way for the reduced charges. The judge nonetheless made clear that Woods’ driving privileges would not return anytime soon.
During Wednesday’s hearing, Woods received a direct warning about violating the suspension.
“If you drive for any reason at all, you will be going back to jail,” the judge told him.
The five-year suspension is a substantial consequence for Woods, but it represents a considerably different outcome from the DUI case he initially faced. Woods had originally pleaded not guilty after his March arrest, and the case remained unresolved for months.
Woods attended the hearing alongside his attorney, Douglas Duncan, and his girlfriend, Vanessa Trump. The appearance marked another public moment for Woods following a difficult stretch that has included the crash, medical treatment and continued questions about his future in professional golf.
After the accident, Woods announced that he would step away from public life to focus on his health.
“I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in today,” Woods 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 prioritise my well-being and work toward lasting recovery.”
Woods subsequently traveled to Switzerland for treatment and spent an extended period away from the public eye.
He eventually returned to the golf scene, making a public appearance at the Travelers Championship in June without addressing the details of his legal situation.
There is now one particularly unusual question surrounding the five-year suspension: Can Woods still drive a golf cart?
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis indicated that Woods should be able to operate a golf cart on a golf course, an important distinction as Woods remains eligible for the PGA Tour Champions.
Carts are permitted in Champions Tour competition, potentially making the issue relevant if Woods eventually returns to competitive golf. For now, though, Woods has another priority.
The legal case that followed his March crash is over, his DUI charge was reduced and his immediate punishment is clear. He cannot drive a road vehicle for the next five years, and any violation could carry serious consequences.
Trump, meanwhile, believes the resolution was fair and has urged his longtime friend to let someone else take the wheel.
After years of physical setbacks and another turbulent chapter away from competition, Woods can now turn his attention back toward his health and, potentially, one more return to the golf course.
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