Former US PGA champion Jason Day has described Tiger Woods as "a little bit selfish" for driving under the influence, saying the golf legend put others at risk.
Woods, 50, was arrested and charged last month after his car clipped a truck and rolled near his Florida home. The 15-time major champion faced additional charges for property damage and refusal to submit to testing. Police found two hydrocodone pills—an opioid pain medication—in his pocket.
Last week, Woods entered a written plea of not guilty through his attorneys and received judicial approval to seek treatment abroad.
While criticizing Woods' actions, Day also expressed empathy for his longtime hero. "He was my hero—he is my hero," said Day, who is preparing for the Masters tournament starting Thursday. "The reason I play golf is because of this tournament and Tiger."
Day acknowledged the difficulty of Woods' situation under intense public scrutiny. "It's hard to see him go through what he's going through, especially under the microscope," he said. "It must be hard to be who he is and have everyone looking on, kind of down on him."
However, Day questioned Woods' decision to drive while potentially impaired. "The only thing I don't understand is that it's a little bit selfish of him to drive and put other people in harm's way," Day stated. "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 driving while a little bit under the influence."
According to the arrest affidavit, officers noted Woods was "sweating profusely" with "extremely dilated" pupils and "lethargic and slow" movements.
Woods, a five-time Masters champion whose last Augusta victory came in 2019, will not attend this year's tournament. He has also declined the role of U.S. Ryder Cup captain for next year's event in Ireland.
No injuries resulted from the crash, and Woods told authorities he had not consumed alcohol that day. When questioned about prescription medication, he responded, "I take a few."
Woods has undergone numerous surgeries throughout his career, including his seventh back procedure last year.
Day, who finished as Masters runner-up in 2011, reflected on Woods' medical history. "He's had 25 to 30 something surgeries, and when you're going through that many procedures, it's painful coming out of them," he said. "I've had procedures done and I typically try to stay away from all that stuff because I know painkillers can potentially have a downfall."
Despite his criticism, Day emphasized Woods' humanity. "When I look at that, I see he's just a human being like everyone else and we have struggles," Day concluded. "It's unfortunate."