NBC Issues On-Air Apology for Tiger Woods Crash Footage Mix-Up
NBC found itself embroiled in a broadcast controversy after mistakenly airing footage from Tiger Woods' 2021 vehicle crash while reporting on his latest arrest in Florida. The error occurred during live coverage of a PGA Tour event, prompting swift viewer backlash and a public correction from the network.
On-Air Mistake and Immediate Correction
The mix-up happened as NBC's studio analysis discussed Woods' recent crash, but instead showed visuals from his far more serious 2021 accident in California. Viewers quickly noticed the discrepancy, with many taking to social media to criticize the network. One user on X called out NBC Sports directly, writing, "Well done NBC Sports. The video you just showed of Tiger Woods vehicle was not from his accident yesterday. Come on, do better." Another described the segment as "despicable" for using outdated footage.
Later that day, host Dan Hicks addressed the error on air, stating, "We want to take this time to make a correction. 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." He clarified, "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."
Details of Tiger Woods' Latest Florida Crash
The apology coincided with emerging details 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 "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 reported that Woods exited the vehicle through the passenger side after the crash.
He was subsequently arrested and taken to the Martin County Jail, where he spent approximately eight hours in custody. Woods was charged with two misdemeanors: DUI with property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test. Sheriff John Budensiek explained that officers conducted multiple roadside assessments, noting, "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"—however, the golfer refused to undergo a urinalysis test, leading to the additional charge. At the scene, the sheriff said Woods appeared "lethargic" and showed "signs of impairment."
Reactions and Historical Context
The incident drew a response from Donald Trump, who has a personal connection to Woods through his relationship with Vanessa Trump. Speaking publicly, Trump expressed sympathy, saying, "I feel so badly for him. 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."
This latest crash has 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 remarking, "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, 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.
