The Olympic champion came at the behest of Woods when he needed him the most. Phelps once said that Woods’ arrest on memorial day in 2017 felt “like that’s a massive scream for help.”
The two legends in their respective sports got in touch with a mutual friend, Notah Begay III. Begay was on record to discuss the conversation between the pair. He believed the stature of Phelps and his experiences would prove vital for a struggling Woods.
“Michael can provide honest and direct feedback, and that’s what athletes of their caliber need the most,” Begay said. He also revealed that the two started off slowly, but with time have been able to express themselves freely.
Woods was found asleep at the wheel in the early hours of 30th May 2017. He was tested for alcohol, but police reports confirmed the blood-alcohol level was .000. However, a toxicology report found a dangerous mix of five different drugs in Woods’ body system. While he cited those as medication for his back ailment, many feared the worst. The police report even confirmed that Woods had failed the sobriety tests and had trouble completing basic “roadside tasks.”