The golf legend Tiger Woods was arrested for DUI on Friday, March 27. Days later, on April 1, Woods was defended on The View by his friend Whoopi Goldberg.
Goldberg Defends Woods
On Wednesday morning’s episode of The View, Goldberg offered a message of support to Woods. She began by acknowledging that some are “not as compassionate” about the golfer’s DUI arrest. However, Goldberg wants the world to know that she has a different perspective on it.
“Tiger is a friend of mine, and I wish him nothing but the best,” said Goldberg, 70. “I don’t like kicking a man when he’s down. I’ll leave that to other folks.”
Goldberg’s co-host Sunny Hostin, 57, responded by bringing up Woods’ chronic back pain. She said that though “we talk about the opioid crisis in this country with such empathy,” this doesn’t appear to be the case when it comes to Woods, 50.
“I’m not excusing the fact that he was driving while under the influence,” Hostin claimed. “But I think we need to show someone who is a sports legend, who may have been pushed very hard as a child, and have some grace for the pain he’s living with and the fact that, as an athlete, he is now having to struggle with the fact that he may have to give up the one thing he loves to do.”
Co-host Joy Behar, 83, however, was a little more skeptical. Indeed, she questioned why Woods, who has an estimated net worth of $1.3 billion, “couldn’t get a driver.” Despite this rarely-logical argument from Behar, Goldberg still defended her buddy Woods.
“You don’t want to be that guy that’s just, ‘Well, why is he always being driven around?’ You can’t win,” Goldberg responded.
“Look, he’s getting what he needs,” Goldberg concluded. “He will get what he needs.”
Woods Speaks Out
The day before this segment aired, Woods. announced in a statement posted to social media that he would step away from golf to focus on his health.
“I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in today,” Woods wrote. “I am stepping away for a period of time to seek treatment and focus on my health. This is necessary in order for me to prioritize my well-being and work toward lasting recovery.
“I’m committed to taking the time needed to return in a healthier, stronger and more focused place, both personally and professionally,” he continued. “I appreciate your understanding and support, and ask for privacy for my family, loved ones and myself at this time.”
PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp quickly followed this up with a statement of his own.
“Tiger Woods is one of the most influential figures the sports world has ever known,” Rolapp said. “Over the last year, I have come to deeply appreciate Tiger not only for his impact on the game, but for his friendship and the perspective he has shared with me as I joined the golf industry. My thoughts are with him and his family as he takes this step, for which he has my full respect and support.”
Woods’ DUI Arrest
Woods was arrested last Friday afternoon after he rolled over his Range Rover in a two-car accident in Jupiter Island, Florida.
When they arrived on the scene, Martin County Sheriff’s Office deputies found two hydrocodone pills in Woods’ left pants pocket. Woods told officers that he’d taken his medicine hours before. He also said that he’s had seven back surgeries and over 20 operations on his leg. Woods has since entered a not guilty plea in Martin County Court.
While we certainly hope that Woods gets the help he needs, many would argue that defending a DUI arrest isn’t the best look for Goldberg. Only time will tell if Woods will be able to turn things around.