Martin Kaymer calls for support towards 'inspirational' Tiger Woods
Friday 2 June 2017 11:08, UK
Martin Kaymer has made a staunch defence of Tiger Woods following the former world No 1's arrest.
Jupiter Police Department released dashboard footage on Thursday of Woods failing to pass a sobriety test a short drive from his Florida home.
The German, himself a former world No 1, posted a video of himself on social media where he highlighted Woods' positive impact on the game of golf.
"A lot of people know what happened to Tiger Woods the last few days, few weeks and there are so many comments, so many opinions, they're so unfair and very disrespectful in my opinion," Kaymer said.
"Everybody who's involved in golf was changed by his legacy, by his play, by so many things that he has done. He brought cultures together, he made races, Afro Americans, feel more comfortable to play golf. He inspired kids, teenagers and all of us."
Woods, a 14-time major winner, was arrested in the early hours of Monday morning after being found asleep at the wheel of his car with the 41-year-old subsequently citing his confused state as an "unexpected reaction" to a mix of prescription medicines.
Further footage released on Thursday showed Woods slumped on a chair in the police station before he takes a breathalyser test, which corroborated his claim that he did not have alcohol in his system.
Kaymer is disappointed by the reaction to Woods' arrest and voiced his desire to help Woods in his recovery and eventually see him back playing golf in a healthy state.
"I find it so nasty that people kick him while he's already on the floor and at the end of the day it's just using someone else for your own sadness," Kaymer added.
"Yes, he's in the public eye, he's in the spotlight a lot, so of course people will talk about him, but why be so nasty? Why don't you try to do the opposite and help him now, the way he inspired us?
"That's why we are where we are now, that's why we can have what we have. He has a huge impact and my wish would be just stop being so nasty, try to help and we all want to see him be happier and hopefully one day to see him play golf again."
Woods, who is recovering from back surgery, apologised and said he took "full responsibility" for the incident.
"I want the public to know that alcohol was not involved. What happened was an unexpected reaction to prescribed medications," he said. "I didn't realise the mix of medications had affected me so strongly."
Woods is due to appear in court in Palm Beach County on July 5.
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