Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy demands jail time for Tiger Woods following his DUI arrest, warning that the golf icon risks killing someone on the road.
The Crash and Arrest
On Friday afternoon, Woods attempted to pass a truck and trailer at high speed on a residential road in Jupiter Island, Florida. He clipped the rear of the vehicle, causing his SUV to tip onto its side. Woods climbed out through the passenger-side window, refused a urine sample, and faced charges of DUI, property damage, and refusal to submit to a lawful test.
Authorities booked him around 3 p.m., took his mugshot showing puffy, bloodshot eyes, and released him on bail near 11 p.m. A Breathalyzer test showed no alcohol, but officers noted signs of impairment.
Portnoy’s Fierce Criticism
During Monday’s Wake Up Barstool show, Portnoy launched a scathing attack. “What is wrong with Tiger Woods?” he asked. “You can have somebody drive you. He should have a driver with him wherever he goes; there is no excuse.”
Portnoy emphasized the danger to others: “When you get behind the wheel impaired, you’re not just putting yourself at risk. You’re putting anybody else on the road and innocent people at risk.” He added, “I have no sympathy for the guy. I don’t know anybody who has ever rolled a car over—this guy rolls it over every two weeks! So, you know what? Put him behind bars, put him in jail for a little bit and make him wake up.”
“Just get a driver! It’s not hard. Seriously, you cannot have sympathy for the guy right now. You’re going to kill somebody innocent,” Portnoy concluded.
Woods’ Driving History
This marks Woods’ third major car crash. In 2017, police found him asleep at the wheel in Florida with five drugs in his system, including painkillers, leading to another DUI arrest. A 2021 California crash shattered his right leg, requiring multiple surgeries. In 2009, he hit a fire hydrant while fleeing his home amid personal scandals.
Privacy and Personal Life
Woods, 50, is dating Vanessa Trump, former daughter-in-law of Donald Trump. Reports indicate the Secret Service previously barred him from driving her children. Sources close to Woods say he rejects a private driver to maintain privacy, believing he is fit to drive. He prefers staying home with his kids, practicing golf, or playing video games, avoiding public attention.
Sheriff’s Response
Sheriff John Budensiek addressed Woods’ detention: “It doesn’t matter who you are; if you break the law, we’re gonna follow the law.” He confirmed Woods spent at least eight hours in custody, isolated for safety: “We’re not gonna put him in general population… He’ll pay the price, but he’s not gonna pay the price by getting punished in jail. He was not injured. He was lethargic on scene, but we believe that was because of what he was intoxicated on.”
