Whoopi Goldberg Supports Friend Tiger Woods After Arrest: ‘I Don’t Like Kicking a Man When He’s Down’

Whoopi Goldberg has expressed her support for Tiger Woods amidst his recent struggles, following the golfer’s announcement that he is stepping away from the sport to seek treatment after a serious car crash and subsequent DUI charge.

During the April 1 episode of ABC’s ‘The View,’ Goldberg, who has a long-standing friendship with Woods, shared her thoughts on the situation. Woods had been involved in a rollover accident on March 27 in Jupiter Island, Florida, just days before he made his intentions known to prioritise his health.

While discussing Woods’ circumstances, Goldberg addressed the general lack of empathy from some commentators regarding his arrest. “Tiger is a friend of mine,” she said. “I wish him nothing but the best. I don’t like kicking a man when he’s down. I’ll leave that to other folks.” Her remarks highlight a compassionate perspective in a time when Woods faces public scrutiny for his actions.

Co-host Sunny Hostin also contributed to the discussion, emphasising Woods’ ongoing battle with pain management. She pointed out that while there is widespread concern about opioid addiction in the United States, the same compassion does not seem to extend to Woods. “I’m not excusing the fact that he was driving while under the influence,” Hostin remarked, but added that Woods’ status as a sports legend deserves a more empathetic approach to his struggles.

Behar questioned why Woods opted to drive rather than hire a chauffeur, to which Goldberg replied, “You don’t want to be that guy that’s just ‘why is he always being driven around?’ You can’t win.” Goldberg’s comments reflect the nuanced reality of being in the public eye, where personal decisions can attract both support and criticism.

Following the car crash, Woods released a statement on social media, acknowledging the severity of his situation. He affirmed his decision to step back from golf temporarily, stating, “I am stepping away for a period of time to seek treatment and focus on my health.” In his message, he stressed the importance of prioritising well-being and expressed hope for a return to the sport in a healthier state.

The Masters Tournament organisers confirmed that Woods would not participate in the prestigious event, with Augusta National Golf Club chairman Fred Ridley expressing support for his decision. Ridley stated, “Although Tiger will not be joining us in person next week, his presence will be felt here in Augusta,” indicating that Woods’ legacy in the sport continues even in his absence.

Woods’ recent legal troubles stem from a Friday afternoon incident where he rolled over his Range Rover, resulting in a two-car accident. Deputies from the Martin County Sheriff’s Office found prescription hydrocodone in his possession at the scene, and Woods reportedly explained that he had taken the medication earlier that day due to his long history of serious surgeries, including several on his back and leg.

This incident follows a previous accident in 2021 that left Woods with life-altering injuries and a lengthy rehabilitation process. Earlier this year, Woods made a comeback to competitive golf, a mere year after he had ruptured his Achilles tendon, a testament to his resilience and dedication to the sport.

Currently, Tiger Woods has pleaded not guilty to the DUI charge, as per documents from Martin County Court. The golfer’s battles both on and off the course continue to draw significant attention, illustrating not only the struggles of a sports icon but also the broader issues of mental and physical health in the arena of professional athletics.

As Woods seeks treatment to focus on his recovery, many are hoping for his return to form, not only as a champion athlete but as a person reclaiming his life after adversity. Support from friends such as Whoopi Goldberg and understanding from the public could play a role in his journey toward healing.