ESPN Analyst Slams Tiger Woods After Latest DUI Arrest

Stephen A. Smith says Woods is 'lucky he didn't kill somebody' after third drunk driving incident.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 12:03pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith harshly criticized golf legend Tiger Woods following his recent DUI arrest in Florida, saying Woods is 'lucky he didn't kill somebody' and that the public doesn't care about his 'privacy' when it comes to drunk driving incidents.

Why it matters

Woods' latest DUI arrest marks the third time in the past decade he has been caught driving under the influence, raising serious concerns about his personal struggles and the potential danger he poses to himself and others on the road.

The details

Woods was arrested last week in Florida on charges of driving under the influence with property damage and refusing a blood alcohol test. This comes after a previous DUI arrest in 2017 and a 2021 rollover crash where an empty pill bottle was found in his vehicle. Smith took issue with Woods' apparent reluctance to hire a driver, saying 'Bump his privacy' and that the public only cares about him 'staying away from being behind the wheel of a vehicle when you're inebriated'.

  • On April 2, 2026, Woods was arrested in Florida on DUI charges.
  • In 2017, Woods was also arrested for DUI on Jupiter Island, Florida.
  • In 2021, Woods was involved in a serious rollover crash in Los Angeles that resulted in leg injuries.

The players

Stephen A. Smith

A prominent ESPN personality and host of the network's popular show 'First Take'.

Tiger Woods

A legendary professional golfer who has won 15 major championships but has struggled with personal issues and legal troubles in recent years.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Bump his privacy. We don't give a damn about his privacy. We don't care right now. You've been behind the wheel of a vehicle inebriated three times. Ain't nobody trying to know all your business. What we want to know is you ain't gonna get behind the wheel of a damn car when you're inebriated. You're lucky you didn't kill somebody. That's what we want to hear. Nothing else is our business. Nothing else is our business.”

— Stephen A. Smith, ESPN Personality

What’s next

Woods has said he will 'seek treatment' and take time away from golf to focus on his personal issues. The court will decide whether to allow him out on bail for the latest DUI charges.

The takeaway

This latest incident with Tiger Woods highlights the serious public safety concerns around his repeated drunk driving behavior and the need for him to address his personal struggles in order to prevent potentially tragic consequences.