Chris “Mad Dog” Russo didn’t hold back on where he placed some of the blame for Tiger Woods’ DUI arrest after his latest car crash.
Russo took aim at Woods’ tight circle of friends — including one in particular — and wondered where they had been as the 15-time major champion appears to be dealing with issues with painkillers and now a fourth incident involving a vehicle.
‘I’m going to blame the golf people here too,’ Russo said during ESPN’s “First Take” on Wednesday. ‘[PGA star] Justin Thomas is his best friend. A lot of these golfers, you know, “I adore Tiger.”
‘How about somebody in the last 15 years say, “Tiger, enough of this nonsense.”‘ OK, instead of genuflecting in front of Tiger, because he’s an all-time great golfer, and you don’t want to get on Tiger’s bad side, how about somebody in the sport in the last 10 years put a stop to this, take the keys away?”
The 50-year-old Woods was arrested Friday after rolling over his SUV near his Jupiter. Fla. home.
Police said he was “sweating profusely” and looked “lethargic and slow” in his movements at times. Woods was traveling at “high speeds” and was found with two hydrocodone pills, according to the police report.
The golf legend’s breathalyzer test was negative, but he refused to take a urine test and he has since pleaded not guilty to the DUI charge.
It’s also been announced that Woods will not be playing in the upcoming Masters or serve as U.S. Ryder Cup captain in 2027 as he steps away to “seek treatment and focus on my health.”
He will get to do that outside the U.S. as a judge granted his request to seek “comprehensive inpatient treatment” out of the country, citing privacy reasons. This was Woods’ first major car accident since 2021, which led to multiple leg injuries that nearly ended his career.
“First Take” star Stephen A. Smith questioned why Woods is even driving himself anywhere at this point, saying he must have a “very highly suspect life if you, as a billionaire, don’t even want to hire a driver.”
Russo said he doesn’t want whatever issues Woods is dealing with to lead to worse things in future.
“The next funeral is going to be his or somebody else’s that we’re going to have to go to,’ Russo added. ‘He’s lucky [he] didn’t kill somebody here.’
The golf world remains very supportive of Woods and his aim to get the help he needs.
“The PGA stands in full support of Tiger Woods as he steps away to focus on his health and well-being,” it said. “During this time we are keeping tiger in our thoughts and prayers, with sincere hop for this strength, comfort and recovery.
“Tiger has meant so much to our Association and to the game of golf. … We commend Tiger for prioritizing his long-term health and deeply respect the courage it takes to make such a personal decision.”