Whoopi Goldberg is showing support for friend Tiger Woods following his recent DUI arrest and decision to seek treatment.
During a recent episode of The View, Goldberg addressed the backlash Woods has faced since his March 27 crash in Florida and said she hopes people will respond with more compassion.
“Tiger is a friend of mine, and I wish him nothing but the best,” Goldberg said. “I don’t like kicking a man when he’s down. I’ll leave that to other folks.”
The remarks came after Woods, 50, announced that he is stepping away from golf to focus on his health and recovery.
“I am stepping away for a period of time to seek treatment and focus on my health,” Woods said in a statement released March 31. “This is necessary in order for me to prioritize my well-being.”
Goldberg later suggested that Woods may have felt pressure to maintain his independence despite years of injuries and surgeries.
“You don’t want to be that guy that’s just, ‘Well, why is he always being driven around?’ ” she said. “You can’t win.”
Goldberg ended her comments on an optimistic note.
“Look, he’s getting what he needs,” she said. “He will get what he needs.”
Woods was arrested after authorities said he rolled his vehicle in Jupiter Island, Florida. He later pleaded not guilty and confirmed he would not compete in this year’s Masters Tournament. His girlfriend, Vanessa Trump, is also standing by him.