NBC’s Misstep in Coverage of Tiger Woods’ Accident
NBC made quite the blunder recently.
On Saturday, the network issued an apology for airing the incorrect video during its segment about Tiger Woods’ car accident and subsequent DUI arrest while covering the Texas Children’s Houston Open. Instead of showing the most recent incident, viewers were shown footage from a 2021 crash in Los Angeles.
“I want to take a moment to address this,” NBC Sports announcer Dan Hicks stated. “Earlier today, during our coverage of the Texas Children’s Open, we mistakenly broadcast an old image of a car accident involving Tiger Woods. This footage was not from yesterday’s incident but from a prior event, and we sincerely apologize for this mix-up. We felt it was important to clarify as we move forward.”
The awkwardness unfolded when Paul Burmeister provided an update on Woods’ situation after he was arrested for drunk driving following a crash in Florida on Friday that led his vehicle to overturn.
This incident marks Woods’ fourth crash since 2009, and it is notably the second DUI arrest connected to these accidents.
He previously faced an accident in Florida in 2009, was arrested for DUI in Florida in 2017, and also had a crash in California in 2021.
As Burmeister detailed Woods’ recent arrest near Jupiter Island, the broadcast mistakenly displayed footage from a past accident in Los Angeles.
The clip showcased a severely damaged vehicle veering off the road into grass.
This particular accident had led to serious injuries for Woods, necessitating surgery, including the treatment of an open fracture in his leg and a damaged tibia.
Reflecting on that incident, Woods once remarked, “I’m lucky to be alive and have limbs.”
In his latest crash, which took place on a residential road, he managed to damage his vehicle once more.
According to Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek, Woods, now 50, attempted to maneuver past a flatbed truck on Friday around 2 p.m., which resulted in the vehicle rolling over.
He was charged with misdemeanor offenses, including DUI, property damage, and refusing a lawful test, but was released later that night.
“Mr. Woods did show signs of impairment,” Budensiek remarked.
“However, at no point during his time at the Martin County Jail or at the scene did we suspect alcohol was involved, and that assessment proved accurate at the jail. Woods underwent a breathalyzer test and registered triple zero.”
