Tiger Woods found himself at the center of an unexpected broadcast controversy when NBC issued an on-air apology for accidentally showing footage of a previous accident while reporting on his latest arrest following an automobile accident in Florida. The error broadcast during live golf coverage immediately caught the attention of viewers, leading to a public correction from the network as details of Woods’ most recent accident and allegations 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 of his far more serious 2021 crash in California. Viewers immediately recognized the discrepancy, with some objecting to the network in real time. One user wrote on The network later addressed the error on air, with host Dan Hicks issuing a correction during coverage later that day. “We want to use this time to improve,” Hicks said. “Prior to today’s broadcast with our regular PGA Tour coverage… our studio show inadvertently showed an incorrect image of Tiger Woods’ car accident.” Clarifying the glitch, he said: “It was another previous car accident. It wasn’t right. The latest, that was yesterday, so, we apologize for that. Just wanted to get it fixed before we move on.”
What happened in Woods’ latest accident?
The apology comes as more details emerge about Woods’ most recent incident, which occurred on Friday (March 27) in Jupiter Island, Florida. According to the Martin County Sheriff’s Office, Woods was driving at a “high rate of 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 overturn and “slide a good distance before it 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, Florida, on Friday, March 27, 2026. (Martin County Sheriff’s Office via AP)
He was later arrested and taken to the Martin County Jail, where he spent approximately eight hours in custody. He was charged with two misdemeanors: DUI with property damage and refusing to submit to legal testing. Sheriff John Budencik told reporters that officers conducted multiple roadside evaluations, adding: “They ran multiple tests on him… He explained his injuries and surgeries and we took that into consideration, but they ran some in-depth roadside tests.” Budenciak said that although alcohol did not appear to be a factor, “Mr. Woods administered a breathalyzer test with a triple zero” – the golfer refused to submit to a urinalysis test, leading to additional charges. At the scene, the sheriff said that Woods seemed “lethargic” and showed “signs of impairment.”
Trump’s reaction and past events resurface
The incident also drew reaction from Donald Trump, who has a personal connection to Woods through his relationship with Vanessa Trump. Speaking publicly, Trump said he felt “very bad” for the golfer, adding: “He’s had some difficulty. Had an accident, and that’s all I know. Very close friend of mine. He’s a wonderful person, wonderful person.” But there is some difficulty.”
The latest crash also draws attention to Woods’ history of high-profile vehicle incidents. In 2021, he suffered serious leg injuries in a rollover accident in Los Angeles, later saying: “I’m lucky to be alive and to have a limb.” Previously, in 2017, he was arrested for DUI after being found asleep at the wheel of his moving car, later pleading guilty to reckless driving and completing probation, community service, and DUI education. A 2009 accident near his Florida home drew similarly intense media scrutiny.
