Few writers covered Tiger Woods as closely during the legendary golfer’s heyday as did Rick Reilly. The former Daily Camera, Denver Post, Los Angeles Times and Sports Illustrated reporter and columnist was there for some of Tiger’s biggest triumphs, as well as some of his biggest failures. Tiger’s latest failure, a DUI arrest over the Memorial Day weekend, comes as no real surprise to Reilly.
“The story of Tiger Woods,” Reilly told Les Shapiro and Mark Knudson on Mile High Sports AM 1340 | FM 104.7 on Tuesday, “is that he thought he was bulletproof.”
Reilly pointed to Woods’ infidelity, the injuries he suffered overtraining and his attitude towards being a role model as many examples of problems in the talented golfer’s life that have led to his fall from grace both on the course and off. It’s a problem that has been brewing his whole life, Reilly believes.
“Somehow, I guess from being famous since you were two years old, and having a father that just made you believe you could do anything and the rules didn’t apply to you, he messed up his life both physically and mentally,” Reilly said.
While Woods did not have alcohol in his system at the time of his DUI arrest this weekend, it is believed that Woods was under the influence of prescription pain medication. Reilly has seen other world-class athletes fall victim to prescription drug addiction, and fears the same fate has befallen Woods.
It’s another unfortunate turn for the man who was once the greatest golfer – if not the greatest athlete – in the world. Now, Reilly wonders if Woods will ever see his way back to the PGA Tour.
“I don’t know if he’ll ever win another tournament,” Reilly said. “I’m not sure if he’ll ever play.”
Listen to the full interview with Rick Reilly, including his thoughts on the passing of iconic sportswriter Frank DeFord, in the podcast below.
Sorry – this audio content is no longer available.
Catch Afternoon Drive with Goodman and Shapiro every weekday from 4p-6p on Mile High Sports AM 1340 | FM 104.7 or stream live any time for the best local coverage of Colorado sports from Denver’s biggest sports talk lineup.
