Tiger Woods found himself at the centre of an unexpected broadcast controversy after NBC issued an on-air apology for mistakenly showing footage from a previous crash while reporting on his latest arrest following a vehicle incident in Florida. The error, which aired during live golf coverage, quickly drew attention from viewers, prompting a public correction from the network as details of Woods’ most recent crash and charges continued to emerge.
On-air mix-up and NBC’s apology
The mistake occurred during NBC’s coverage of a PGA Tour event in Texas, when studio analysis of Woods’ latest crash was accompanied by footage from his far more serious 2021 accident in California. Viewers were quick to spot the discrepancy, with some calling out the network in real time. One user wrote on X: “Well done NBC Sports. The video you just showed of Tiger Woods vehicle was not from his accident yesterday. Come on, do better,” while another described the segment as “despicable,” criticising the use of outdated footage instead of the recent incident. The network later addressed the error on air, with host Dan Hicks issuing a correction during coverage later that day. “We want to take this time to make a correction,” Hicks said. “Before we came on the air today with our regular PGA Tour coverage… our studio show inadvertently showed the incorrect picture of the car crash Tiger Woods was in.” Clarifying the mix-up, he added: “It was another previous car crash. It was not the correct one. The latest one, that was yesterday, so, we apologize for that. Just wanted to straighten that out before we go any further.”
What happened in Woods’ latest crash
The apology came as more details surfaced about Woods’ most recent incident, which took place on Friday (March 27) in Jupiter Island, Florida. According to the Martin County Sheriff’s Office, Woods was driving at “high speed” when he attempted to overtake a truck. His vehicle made contact with a pressure washer trailer attached to the truck, causing the car to flip and slide “for a pretty decent space before he came to a stop.” Authorities said Woods exited the vehicle through the passenger side after the crash.
This handout photo provided by the Martin County Sheriff’s Office shows Tiger Woods, in Stuart, Fla., Friday, March 27, 2026. (Martin County Sheriff’s Office via AP)
He was subsequently arrested and taken to the Martin County Jail, where he spent around eight hours in custody. He was charged with two misdemeanours: DUI with property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test. Sheriff John Budensiek told reporters that officers carried out multiple roadside assessments, explaining: “They did several tests on him… He did explain the injuries and surgeries that he’s had and we did take that into account, but they did some in-depth roadside tests.” Budensiek added that while alcohol did not appear to be a factor, “Mr Woods did a breathalyser test with triple zeros” — the golfer refused to undergo a urinalysis test, which led to the additional charge. At the scene, the sheriff said Woods appeared “lethargic” and showed “signs of impairment.”
Trump reacts and past incidents resurface
The incident also drew a response from Donald Trump, who has a personal connection to Woods through his relationship with Vanessa Trump. Speaking publicly, Trump said he felt “so badly” for the golfer, adding: “He’s got some difficulty. There was an accident, and that’s all I know. Very close friend of mine. He’s an amazing person, amazing man. But some difficulty.”
The latest crash has also revived attention around Woods’ history of high-profile vehicle incidents. In 2021, he suffered serious leg injuries in a rollover crash in Los Angeles, later saying: “I’m lucky to be alive and also have a limb.” Earlier, in 2017, he was arrested for DUI after being found asleep at the wheel of his running car, later pleading guilty to reckless driving and completing probation, community service and DUI education. His 2009 crash near his Florida home had similarly drawn intense media scrutiny.
