Rusty Weiss
ESPN host questions why billionaire golfer refuses a driver and demands accountability as Woods receives court approval for overseas treatment
ESPN host Stephen A. Smith sharply criticized golf legend Tiger Woods following his recent DUI arrest, accusing the 50-year-old of living a “very highly suspect life” and questioning why a billionaire would refuse to hire a driver despite a history of car incidents.
Smith made the remarks on First Take, dismissing Woods’ reported desire for privacy. The golf icon insists he is perfectly capable of driving himself, a decision that raised eyebrows just days after he flipped his SUV in a serious crash while impaired.
According to an anonymous source cited by gossip outlet People Magazine, Woods does not like being in the public eye. Which is super-weird, because he keeps putting himself there with his reckless behavior.
“He is not a social butterfly and prefers to hang around his home with his kids, or hitting balls, or playing video games,” the source said. “He despises public scrutiny.”
Smith blasted the silly response from Woods’ camp.
“Damn that privacy. I don’t give a damn what you worried about,” the irate sports commentator said. “You must have a very highly suspect life that you as a billionaire don’t even want to hire a driver. Something wrong. Something with that.”
“You want your privacy. Privacy from what? What’s the driver gonna do? Because he dropped you off at some place he’ll know where he dropped you off?” Smith continued. “I mean, damn. What are you trying to hide?”
"Bump your statements! We don’t care. What we care to hear from you is that we don’t have to worry about you being behind the wheel of a vehicle inebriated…you’re luck you didn’t kill somebody" – Stephen A. Smith on Tiger Woods pic.twitter.com/pyp3Ae83v8
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) April 1, 2026
Smith wasn’t done with Tiger. Not by a long shot.
According to the arrest affidavit, Woods attempted to pass a truck, clipped the vehicle, and his Range Rover flipped onto its side. No one was seriously injured in the incident.
Deputies reported observing signs of impairment, including bloodshot eyes, dilated pupils, and profuse sweating, while in the back of an air-conditioned vehicle.
Woods was charged with driving under the influence with property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test. A search turned up hydrocodone pills in his pocket, though a breathalyzer test showed no alcohol in his system.
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But, considering the golf superstar’s extensive history of vehicular mishaps involving prescribed drugs, it doesn’t blunt the seriousness of what happened.
“I don’t give a damn about his privacy,” Smith said. “We don’t care right now. You’ve been (behind) the wheel of a vehicle inebriated three times. Ain’t nobody trying to know all your business.”
“What we want to know is that you ain’t going to get behind the wheel of a damn car when you’re inebriated. You’re lucky you didn’t kill somebody, that’s what we want to hear.”
In a related court development, a judge granted Woods permission to seek treatment abroad for his condition. Court documents filed by his attorney argued that effective care could not be safely or effectively provided in the United States due to his “complex clinical presentation” and repeated compromises to his privacy.
The motion, approved by Judge Darren Steele, noted that the out-of-country facility would provide continuous monitoring and rapid adjustments to interventions in a highly controlled environment.
Woods had previously stated he is stepping away from golf temporarily to prioritize his health and work toward lasting recovery.
