“I Broke Down in Tears” – Tiger Woods Reflects on Arrest Over 5 Banned Substances That Nearly Destroyed His Legacy

In one of the most shocking moments of his career, golf legend Tiger Woods was arrested in May 2017 after being found asleep at the wheel of his vehicle in Florida. Police reports later confirmed that Woods had five different substances in his system at the time, including Vicodin, Dilaudid, Xanax, Ambien, and THC — a combination that stunned fans and nearly ended his storied career.

The incident marked a dark chapter for Woods, who was recovering from back surgery at the time and admitted to mismanaging his prescribed medications. In later interviews, the 15-time major champion opened up about the deep regret and emotional toll

“I let down my kids, my fans, and myself,” Woods said. “It’s something I’ll never forget… I broke down in tears when I realized what I’d become.”

The mugshot from that night went viral, serving as a haunting reminder of how even the greatest can fall. But for Woods, the arrest also marked a turning point. He later completed a rehabilitation program and staged one of the most incredible comebacks in sports history by winning the 2019 Masters.

Though the scars of that night remain, Woods continues to inspire millions with his story of redemption — proof that even legends can rise again after falling hard.