Cable news networks devote nonstop coverage to Tiger Woods' car crash

Deadline

CNN, MSNBC and Fox News went all-in covering the Woods' serious car crash, with CNN and MSNBC tuning away from a Senate hearing on the U.S. Capitol siege. "As news broke that Tiger Woods was injured in a serious vehicle crash in Los Angeles, cable news networks quickly shifted to nonstop coverage, breaking away from what looked like a day devoted to D.C. politics," reports Deadline's Ted Johnson. "The networks scrambled to book sports reporters and commentators who could talk about the accident, his health history and his impact on the sport. The extent of the coverage reflected Woods’ status as one of the greatest golfers — and athletes — of all time."

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• Donald Trump called in to Fox News to discuss Tiger Woods' crash: "He’s had an incredible life and he’s going to continue to have an incredible life,” said the former president, who awarded Woods the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2019. “But now he’ll recover from this. It’s pretty bad on the legs, I understand. He’ll figure a way. But he’s a wonderful person.”
• Greg Gutfeld was angry with Fox News' nonstop Woods coverage, pointing out that "he's not dead": "We're talking like he passed away," said Gutfeld, adding: "We have a challenge of doing this show, wall to wall stuff, having to avoid unspeakable truths. And instead do this kind of repetitive salutation and grand pronouncements. Let's at least inject a little bit of sobriety and honesty into this thing. My father-in-law died in his car on Christmas Eve. He wasn't a world famous golfer, but you know what? He was a great man and I'm glad I said it."
• ESPN, NBCSN and FS1 were "business as usual" in the hour after news broke of Woods' accident: While Golf Channel covered the breaking news right away, ESPN didn't immediately devote itself to breaking news coverage of the crash, opting instead to air The Jump with updates on Woods' condition.
• CNN sports anchor Andy Scholes apologized after saying he’s “stunned” but “not entirely surprised" by Woods' accident
• ESPN was missing the gravitas and experience of Bob Ley and presence of Tom Rinaldi, who has a long relationship with Woods