Tiger Woods’ decision to not hire a driver is drawing criticism after his recent arrest following a rollover crash in Florida. A report earlier in the week stated that Woods prefers not to use a driver due to privacy concerns. That point was strongly criticized by Stephen A. Smith.

Woods was arrested on charges of driving under the influence, property damage, and refusing to submit to a chemical test. He reportedly tested negative on a breath test but declined a urine test. He has pleaded not guilty. According to a police affidavit, two hydrocodone pills were also found in his pocket during the investigation.

Speaking on First Take, Smith made it clear he had no sympathy for Woods’ privacy concerns.

“Bump his privacy,” Smith said. “We don’t give a damn about his privacy… 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.”

He continued by questioning why Woods would avoid hiring a driver despite his resources.

“Damn that privacy. I don’t give a damn what you’re worried about. You must have a very highly suspect life that you, as a billionaire, don’t even want to hire a driver. You want your privacy. Privacy from what? What’s the driver gonna do? ‘Cus he dropped you off some place he don’t know where he dropped you off? I mean, damn, what are you trying to hide? It’s a rhetorical question because I don’t care. And none of us should care.” he added.

This is the second DUI-related arrest for Tiger Woods in the last decade. He was also taken into custody in 2017 after being found asleep in a running vehicle following the use of prescription drugs.

He was also involved in a separate car crash in 2021 in Los Angeles that led to serious leg injuries and multiple surgeries. At the time police said an empty, unlabeled pill bottle was found in his vehicle though no charges were filed in that case.

This strong reaction from Smith also comes at a time when Tiger Woods announced on Wednesday that he will be taking a break from golf as he continues to deal with injuries.

What Tiger Woods said about stepping away and his return timeline

Tiger Woods addressed his situation in a brief statement on social media, where he spoke about the need to step back and focus on recovery.

“I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in today. I am stepping away for a period of time to seek treatment and focus on my health,” Woods said. “This is necessary in order for me to prioritize my well-being and work toward lasting recovery.”

He added that he will take the time needed before returning with the aim of coming back in a better place both personally and professionally.

The decision effectively rules him out of the Masters next week. Tiger Woods had been building toward a return after undergoing disc replacement surgery in October.

His last official PGA Tour start came at The Open Championship in 2024. He was more recently seen in action during the TGL Finals Series in March, where he represented Jupiter.