Criticism is mounting for Tiger Woods following his latest DUI arrest, with Stephen A. Smith delivering a fiery on-air rebuke that dismissed the golferâs call for privacy.
According to the New York Post, while speaking on First Take, Smith didnât hold back as he questioned Woodsâ decision-making and lifestyle in the wake of the incident.
âDamn that privacy. I donât give a damn what you worried about,â Smith said five days after Woodsâ car crash near his Florida home. âYou must have a very highly suspect life that you as a billionaire donât even want to hire a driver. Something wrong. Something with that. You want your privacy. Privacy from what? Whatâs the driver gonna do? Because he dropped you off at some place heâll know where he dropped you off? I mean, damn. What are you trying to hide?
âThe point is a rhetorical question because I donât care and none of US should care, itâs not our business. What is our business is you staying away from being behind the wheel of a vehicle when youâre inebriated.â
Woodsâ latest crash adds to a troubling history behind the wheel.
The 50-year-old has been involved in four car incidents dating back to 2009, including a 2017 DUI arrest in Florida, where he was found in his vehicle while under the influence of prescription medication.
In the most recent case, authorities said Woods showed âsigns of impairmentâ after crashing on March 27 in Jupiter Island. According to Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek, Woods appeared to be affected by âsome type of medication or drug.âÂ
He was arrested on charges of driving under the influence with property damage and refusing a lawful test.
Police also reported that Woods had hydrocodone pills on him at the time and told officers, âI take a few,â including earlier that morning.
Smith made clear he has little patience for that explanation.
âBump his privacy. I donât give a damn about his privacy,â he said. âWe donât care right now. Youâve been the wheel of a vehicle inebriated three (sic) times. Ainât nobody trying to know all your business. What we want to know is that you ainât going to get behind the wheel of a damn car when youâre inebriated. Youâre lucky you didnât kill somebody, thatâs what we want to hear.â
He continued: âWhat we care to hear from you is that we donât have to worry about you being behind the wheel of a vehicle inebriated again. Thatâs it. Go ahead and get better, you understand? And live your life and be at peace, man. Ainât nobody wishing any harm upon you. But what you did potentially harmed somebody else. Youâre lucky you didnât kill somebody, if not yourself.â
Smith also pointed to Woodsâ past, including a serious 2021 crash that nearly ended his career, as evidence that the lesson still hasnât sunk in.
âHe didnât (learn the lesson),â Smith said. âBack behind the wheel, yet again. That is the problem. Weâre not going to feel sympathy for people that get behind the wheel of a ride knowing that you are not your full self, you are not fully cogent and lucid and all of that. Nah, enough of that. Stay the hell away from being behind the wheel of a vehicle. Hire a driver. I think we know you can afford it. Do it.â
Woods, who has pleaded not guilty to the latest DUI charges, addressed the situation in a statement Tuesday while asking for privacy.
âI know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in today,â Woods said. âI 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.
âIâm 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.â
Woods is expected to miss the upcoming The Masters as he focuses on his recovery.