Former US PGA champion Jason Day says Tiger Woods was “a little bit selfish” to drive under the influence and “put other people in harm’s way”.
Woods, 50, was arrested and charged after clipping a truck and rolling his car near his home in Florida last month. The 15-time major champion, who was also charged with property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test, was found with two white pills in his pocket, which were identified as hydrocodone – an opioid used to treat pain. He submitted a written plea of not guilty via his lawyers last week and was granted permission by a judge to seek treatment overseas.
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While Australian Day criticized Woods’ actions, the 38-year-old said he also has sympathy for him. “He was my hero – he is my hero,” said Day, who is preparing to take part in the Masters, which starts on Thursday.”The reason why I play golf is because of this tournament and Tiger.” It’s hard to see him go through what he’s going through, and especially under the microscope… it must be hard to be who he is and have everything, everyone look on, kind of down on him.
“The only thing that I don’t understand is that it’s a little bit selfish of him to drive and put other people in harm’s way, as well. “But when you’re the player that he was and how strong-willed he is, he thinks he can do almost anything, and that’s probably why he’s probably driving and a little bit under the influence.”
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In the arrest affidavit, an officer wrote Woods was “sweating profusely”, his pupils were “extremely dilated” and his movements were “lethargic and slow”.
Five-time Masters champion Woods, whose last victory at Augusta came in 2019, will not be at Augusta National for the season’s first major, and he has also turned down the role of United States Ryder Cup captain next year in Ireland.
