The sports world has reacted with a mix of disappointment and condemnation following Tiger Woods' latest legal troubles, but one voice in the golf media has taken a radically different tone—and it's sparking a firestorm of its own.
Tiger Woods, the 15-time major champion, was arrested earlier this week on suspicion of driving under the influence after a single-vehicle crash near his Jupiter Island, Florida home. According to Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek, Woods' SUV swerved to avoid a truck, clipped the trailer, and rolled onto its side before sliding down the road. Woods was able to climb out of the passenger window; neither he nor the other driver was injured in the mid-afternoon incident.
This marks another serious chapter in Woods' history with vehicles. He was involved in a horrific, career-threatening rollover crash in California in 2021 and was arrested on a DUI charge in 2017 after police found him asleep at the wheel. The latest arrest throws his potential participation in next month's Masters tournament into serious doubt, casting a shadow over what many hoped would be a triumphant return.
While public sentiment has largely focused on the gravity of driving under the influence, Barstool Sports personality Riggs offered a full-throated, and many say baffling, defense of the golf icon. "You think I told our team to not post about Tiger Woods' DUI and to protect him?" Riggs stated. "You're (expletive) right I did. You want me on that wall, you need me on that wall. We'll protect Tiger Woods until we (expletive) die."
The reaction from fans and the broader golf community was swift and merciless. Social media lit up with criticism, labeling the stance as tone-deaf and dangerous. "You know that he could’ve killed someone for like the third time right? Christ almighty… how is this a real post?" one fan pointedly asked, highlighting the potential consequences of impaired driving.
Others attacked Riggs' character directly. "Ran into Riggs again at TGL a few weeks ago... Doesn’t remember you, doesn’t care to, and carries himself like he’s above everyone. One of the least genuine people I’ve come across in golf media," shared one critic, suggesting the defense was part of a broader pattern. The sentiment was echoed by another who called it "Extremely weird and embarrassing behavior but also par for the course for this entire outlet!"
The controversy comes as the media grapples with how to cover the story, with some outlets already facing missteps. NBC recently aired incorrect crash footage during their coverage, adding to the chaotic news cycle. Meanwhile, a first photo of the dramatic Florida rollover has emerged, providing a stark visual of the incident's severity.
This incident forces a difficult conversation about fandom, accountability, and the culture of protection around superstar athletes. While Woods has allies like Anthony Kim, who offered raw support, and faces serious legal scrutiny as a legal expert warns he may face a prosecutorial 'message', the defense from within the media itself has become a glaring subplot. In the court of public opinion, blindly defending reckless behavior, regardless of the athlete involved, is a stance that appears to be landing far out of bounds.
