Tiger Woods, a revered figure in the golfing world, finds himself retreating from the public eye following a recent DUI arrest. Despite his efforts to maintain privacy, Woods remains in the spotlight, especially in the eyes of ESPN’s outspoken Stephen A. Smith.

On Wednesday’s episode of “First Take,” Smith did not hold back in addressing Woods’ history with driving under the influence. “You’ve been caught driving inebriated three times,” Smith emphasized to his audience, pinpointing Woods’ repeated misjudgments. “We don’t need to know every detail of your life, but what we do need is assurance that you won’t risk lives by driving while impaired. You’re fortunate not to have caused a tragedy.”

The incident unfolded near Woods’ residence in Jupiter, Florida, where he was apprehended after his SUV rolled over. Although a Breathalyzer test showed no alcohol, law enforcement noted that Woods had been speeding and exhibited signs of impairment, having crawled out from the passenger side of his overturned vehicle.

While maintaining his innocence, Woods has publicly committed to taking a step back from his career to focus on personal recovery. In a statement, he expressed his intention to “prioritize my well-being and work toward lasting recovery.” Curiously, it has been reported by People.com that Woods is resistant to hiring a private driver, as he prefers not to have anyone monitoring his actions or whereabouts.

This particular detail did not escape Smith’s scrutiny. “It’s quite telling if, as a billionaire, you’re unwilling to employ a driver,” Smith remarked, suggesting that such reluctance might indicate a desire to conceal aspects of one’s lifestyle.

Tiger Woods was arrested near his Jupiter, Florida home on Friday after rolling his SUV

Golfer Tiger Woods, 50, stands by his overturned vehicle in Jupiter Island, Florida

‘You must have a very highly suspect life if you, as a billionaire, don’t even want to hire a driver,’ Smith said.

‘You want your privacy?’ Smith asked. ‘Privacy from what? What’s the driver going to do? Because he dropped you off someplace, he’ll know where he dropped you off? I mean, damn, what are you trying to hide?’

Smith isn’t the only ESPN personality addressing the Woods saga.

Scott Van Pelt, who has served as a lead host for ESPN’s Masters coverage for years, admitted on Tuesday that there would always be an ‘excitement’ around the possibility of Woods competing at the major championship.

However, he insisted that, despite the furor Woods brings to any event he tees it up at, he hoped that the golf legend first seeks the help he needs.

The SportsCenter host pointed to the toll the past few years must have taken on Woods, especially the loss of his mother, Kultida, whom the golf legend had described as his ‘rock,’ early last year.

Stephen A. Smith is concerned with Tiger Woods’ reported refusal to get himself a driver 

‘I have to be honest, after what happened, I don’t care if I see him next week,’ he said while discussing the network’s coverage plans for The Masters with reporters, shortly before Woods’ announcement.

‘I care that the human being I’ve known for all these years is well. Whatever needs to happen, I hope it does.

‘He’s gone through a significant loss in the last year and a half of his mom. He’s going through a vicious cycle of injury and rehab and the toll that that takes. And, this is another accident. You don’t want him to get hurt. You don’t want others to get hurt.

‘I hope that whoever is close enough to him to have whatever conversation needs to be had about whatever help might be needed, that that is had. I hope that it resonates.

‘Because truly, as much fun as it is to have watched Tiger play through the years, I’ve gotten to know the man as a human being, and I care about him as a human being, and that’s really my only concern at this point.’

ESPN star Scott Van Pelt urged the golf legend to seek help ahead of The Masters 

The 15-time major winner lost his mother, Kultida, who he described as his ‘rock,’ in early 2025

Van Pelt was speaking during a conference call to unveil ESPN’s coverage plans for The Masters and the subject of how the network would address Woods’ scandal was raised.

The longtime beloved broadcaster shared that he hopes more information surrounding the car accident will emerge before the players take to the undulating fairways of Augusta next week in order to have informed conversations.

‘My sense is between now and a week from now, hopefully we know more,’ Van Pelt said.

‘Ultimately, I think where his head is and what his plan is are far more important than what we think it ought to be.’