Chris Russo Blames Tiger Woods’ Friends for DUI Arrest
Chris “Mad Dog” Russo openly voiced his concerns regarding the circumstances surrounding Tiger Woods’ DUI arrest after the golfer’s recent vehicle accident.
Russo criticized Woods’ inner circle, particularly one friend, questioning their presence as the 15-time major champion seems to be struggling with painkiller issues and has now been involved in a fourth vehicle incident.
“I’m going to put some blame on the golf community too,” Russo mentioned during his appearance on ESPN’s “First Take.” He pointed out that “[PGA star] Justin Thomas is his best friend, and many in golf have a lot of love for Tiger.”
Russo posed a thought-provoking question: what if someone from the last 15 years had told Woods to stop — perhaps out of concern? He wondered aloud, instead of being overly respectful and hesitant in front of the golfing legend, why didn’t someone intervene by simply taking away his car keys?
The incident occurred when Woods, aged 50, was arrested on Friday after flipping his SUV near his home in Jupiter, Florida. Police described him as “sweating profusely” and at times looking “lethargic and sluggish.” The report mentioned that he was driving at a “high rate of speed” and had two hydrocodone tablets in his possession.
Interestingly, although Woods passed a breathalyzer test, he opted out of a urine test and has since pleaded not guilty to the DUI charge.
It’s noteworthy that Woods won’t be participating in the upcoming Masters nor will he serve as U.S. Ryder Cup captain in 2027 as he seeks treatment for his health issues. He plans to undergo “comprehensive inpatient treatment” abroad, which a judge approved for privacy reasons. This marks Woods’ first significant car accident since a serious incident in 2021, which left him with multiple leg injuries and almost derailed his career.
During the discussion, “First Take” star Stephen A. Smith raised concerns about Woods driving himself, suggesting, “With his wealth, why wouldn’t he hire a driver? It raises serious questions about his state of mind.”
Russo expressed his hope that Woods might avoid further trouble in the future, adding a somber note. “The next funeral could be his or someone else’s,” he reflected, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.
On a more positive note, the golf community continues to stand by Woods, expressing support for his path to recovery. A statement from the PGA emphasized their commitment to Woods, stating, “We fully support Tiger as he takes time to prioritize his health and well-being. Our thoughts and prayers are with him during this time, wishing him strength and comfort.” They lauded Woods for making such a personal decision to focus on his long-term health.
