President Donald Trump has weighed in on Tiger Woods' legal troubles, offering a sympathetic word for the golf legend shortly after the terms of his DUI plea agreement were made public.
Woods, a 15-time major champion, reached a plea deal on Wednesday in connection with his March arrest following a rollover crash in Florida. The charges included reckless driving and refusal to submit to a lawful test. As part of the agreement, his driver's license will be suspended for five years, and he must pay a $1,500 fine.
Trump, who has known Woods for years, expressed empathy for the golfer's situation, pointing to the back problems that have plagued him. "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. He suffers great pain, great pain," Trump said, according to OutKick.
The president noted that Woods did not test positive for alcohol, and attributed the arrest to the golfer's reliance on prescription painkillers following a botched back surgery. "He had a back operation that did not work out well. And he is under pain," Trump explained. "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."
Trump also offered some practical advice, suggesting Woods should have a driver. "I told him that a long time ago. Why don't you get somebody to drive you?" Trump said. "So, he's going to have somebody drive him from now on."
The president concluded, "He's just a very special guy. I'm glad. I'm glad that was resolved."
The connection between Trump and Woods has been a topic of interest, especially after a video surfaced of Woods telling police at the crash scene, "Yeah, I was just talking with the President." That remark drew backlash, but Woods has since entered a rehab program and has kept a low profile.
This isn't the first time the president has commented on Woods' health. Trump has previously discussed the golfer's back issues, and the two have played golf together on several occasions.
As Woods works to move past this incident, he'll likely appreciate the support from the White House. Whether he responds publicly remains to be seen, but for now, the golf world is watching to see how he rebounds on the course.
For more on Woods' legal outcome, check out the details of his five-year license suspension. And if you're curious about other Trump-family golf connections, this viral photo of Kai Trump might interest you.
