The Awkward Way The NFL Omitted Partnership With Tiger Woods Amid Accident Fallout, Step Back

This week, Tiger Woods shared an official statement in the wake of his recent arrest for DUI. Woods explained that he would be taking some time away from the game of golf in order to seek formal treatment and improve his well-being. In the meantime, the 50-year-old golf legend still has a number of business ventures (like a bar co-owned by Justin Timberlake), and there’s even a collaboration with the NFL. However, it would seem the sports league just downplayed Woods in a recent announcement.

What Are The Circumstances Behind The NFL Seemingly Distancing Itself From Tiger Woods?

Woods is one of the co-founders of TMRW Sports, which he launched in 2022 alongside fellow golfer Rory McIlroy. Per an official press release, that brand is now teaming up with the NFL to establish a professional flag football league involving both men and women. There are apparently a considerable number of high-profile investors in this corporate endeavor, including famous athletes like Tom Brady, Serena Williams, Eli Manning and Billie Jean King. It’s also said that TMRW and the NFL are also in talks for more collaborations.

Although TMRW Sports – and its previous successes – are highlighted prominently throughout the release, Tiger Woods isn’t actually mentioned anywhere. So, at first glance, while the actual company collaboration is front and center, the National Football League doesn’t go out of its way to name Woods as a co-founder. In fairness, Rory McIlroy isn’t mentioned in the release anywhere either. Nevertheless, the omission of Woods’ name is still interesting, given what’s transpired with him as of late.

This news came roughly a day before an official message was shared to Woods’ X account. In it, he said he was “committed to taking the time needed to return in a healthier, stronger, and more focused place, both personally and professionally.” Woods also thanked fans for their support and asked that they provide him and his loved ones with privacy during this time.

How Did Tiger Woods’ Latest Accident Reportedly Happen?

The car accident that led to Woods’ recent arrest took place on Friday, March 27 in Juniper Island, Florida, of which the World Golf Hall of Famer is a resident. Per reports, Woods was driving his Land Rover on a two-land road when he attempted to pass a pressure-cleaning truck. In the process of doing so, Woods hit the back of the truck, and his vehicle ended up rolling over. Authorities eventually arrived on the scene, and Woods took a breathalyzer test that came up negative.

However, the five-time Masters Tournament winner did not submit to a urine test and was eventually booked. As it stands, Woods has been charged with the misdemeanor charges of DUI with property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test. Woods had his mugshot (which has since been added to T-shirts by fans) taken at Martin County Jail, where he spent hours before being bailed out the same day as the rollover crash. Woods has since pleaded not guilty and is seeking a trial.

This incident comes a few years after another vehicular accident involving Woods in 2021, which saw his car flip over while he was driving his SUV at 85 mph. Although some third-parties speculated that Woods was under the influence, that proved not to be the case, and no charges were filed against him. Woods required several non-life-threatening surgeries afterwards. And, in 2017, the California native was arrested for DUI in Juniper Island after taking a drug test and, beforehand, Woods admitted to having taken painkillers. Woods later pleaded guilty to reckless driving.

Following this latest incident, many have been weighing in on the situation, including NFL veteran Emmanuel Acho, who didn’t hold back on Woods. Acho directly addressed Woods and questioned how he could get arrested for DUI at his age and asked him to consider his loved ones at this time. Meanwhile, insiders claim Woods’ close friends are worried about him and that he needs to make certain changes in his life.

How Tiger Woods’ recent legal matter impacts any other business ventures he has – aside from TMRW Sports and the NFL’s flag football league – remains to be seen. It’s also currently unclear whether Woods will receive the trial he seeks.