ESPN's outspoken commentator Stephen A. Smith has taken aim at golf icon Tiger Woods, alleging the superstar receives a different standard of justice than the average person. The criticism comes in the wake of Woods' latest traffic incident, a single-vehicle crash in Florida last Friday that resulted in his arrest.
A Pattern of Problems
Smith didn't mince words during a recent television appearance, pointing to a troubling history. "You had this problem in 2017 when they found you asleep in your car on the side of the road. You had this problem in 2021 when you crashed into a tree... You had this issue again last Friday," Smith stated. He emphasized that all three incidents involved Woods being impaired behind the wheel, questioning why someone of his means wouldn't use a car service.
The latest crash saw Woods' luxury SUV clip a trailer and roll onto its side. Authorities on the scene reported the golfer showed clear signs of impairment and lethargy, despite Woods attributing the accident to being distracted by his phone and the radio.
'Most of Us Would Be In Jail'
Smith's core argument hinges on a perceived double standard. "Most of us would be in jail," he declared bluntly. "He's gotten, in a lot of people's eyes in America, he's gotten away with a lot and they're sick and tired of it." He specifically referenced the 2021 crash, noting Woods wasn't charged or subjected to standard sobriety tests at the time, a point that fuels the controversy.
Official reports from the Martin County Sheriff's Office add weight to the concern. A deputy noted Woods was "sweating profusely" and appeared "lethargic and slow" after the crash. While investigators considered his past injuries, they concluded he exhibited signs of impairment during field tests.
This incident has sparked wider debate about accountability and privilege in sports. As experts issue warnings about potential underlying issues, the legal process moves forward, with Woods facing potential jail time for misdemeanor DUI with property damage and refusal to submit to testing.
Smith's critique extends beyond the legal system, questioning Woods' personal judgment. "You're Tiger Woods, you can afford car service... What are you doing getting behind the wheel of a car?" This sentiment echoes a growing public frustration as details emerge from the wreck of his high-end vehicle.
The saga continues to unfold, pulling in various figures from Woods' life and dominating sports headlines. As the golf world looks ahead to major tournaments, the focus remains firmly on Florida, where a legend's legacy is once again entangled with controversy off the course.
