Tiger Woods targeted in Marcello Hernández’s star-studded ESPYs roast
Golfer Tiger Woods listens to US President Donald J. Trump deliver remarks during a reception honoring Black History Month in the East Room of the White House in Washington, DC, on February 20, 2025. PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxHUNxONLY WAX20250220869 SHAWNxTHEW
Golfer Tiger Woods listens to US President Donald J. Trump deliver remarks during a reception honoring Black History Month in the East Room of the White House in Washington, DC, on February 20, 2025. PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxHUNxONLY WAX20250220869 SHAWNxTHEW
Marcello Hernández made jokes about the biggest star in golf during his first time hosting the ESPYs.
The Saturday Night Live star made one of the night's biggest jokes about Tiger Woods' DUI arrest during the offseason. He compared the golfer to a video game criminal while speaking in front of a room full of famous sports stars.
Setting up the joke with praise for Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams, Hernández said, "I want to congratulate Caleb Williams, the quarterback for the Chicago Bears, who will be on the cover of the new 'Madden' video game. Congratulations to Caleb."
February 16, 2025, La Jolla, California, USA: Tournament host TIGER WOODS looks on during trophy ceremony of the 2025 Genesis Invitational at Torrey Pines Golf Course in La Jolla, California. La Jolla USA - ZUMAt158 20250216_zsp_t158_052 Copyright: xBrentonxTsex
February 16, 2025, La Jolla, California, USA: Tournament host TIGER WOODS looks on during trophy ceremony of the 2025 Genesis Invitational at Torrey Pines Golf Course in La Jolla, California. La Jolla USA - ZUMAt158 20250216_zsp_t158_052 Copyright: xBrentonxTsex
He then pivoted: "And Tiger Woods will be on the cover of 'Grand Theft Auto. I love you, Tiger. I'm a big fan, man. It's just it was written so well," he added, according to footage ESPN posted on X.
Hernández hosted the 2026 ESPY Awards on Wednesday, July 15, at the David H. Koch Theater in New York City. During his 10-minute opening speech, he joked about Jake Paul, Bill Belichick, and the WNBA before making Tiger Woods the next target.
The moment was shown on TV and quickly spread online. Both Fox News and Awful Announcing confirmed the same words from ESPN's broadcast.
The punchline landed just three days after Woods had tried to put his troubles behind him on the course.
Tiger Woods targets return after legal setbacks
Tiger Woods returned to competitive action on March 24 in the TGL championship, his first competitive round since the 2024 Open Championship.
His Jupiter Links Golf Club lost the match. Three days later, Woods was arrested on Jupiter Island, Florida, and charged with DUI with property damage after rolling his Land Rover.
While he passed a roadside breathalyzer test, his refusal to submit to a urine screening triggered an additional charge, resulting in an eight-hour hold before he posted bond.
He has since missed the U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills and the Open Championship at Royal Birkdale, stretching his major drought to eight straight events, after completing a rehabilitation stint in Switzerland focused on pain management.
According to Sports Illustrated, USGA CEO Mike Whan said in May he did not expect Woods to compete in any USGA championship this year, calling his situation far bigger than golf.
Organizers of the Baycurrent Classic in Japan have already featured Woods on promotional material for the October event. Golf.com's Dylan Dethier has floated December's Hero World Challenge as another plausible landing spot for his return.
Do you think Tiger Woods will step back into competitive golf before the end of 2026, or has his window already closed?
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Written by
Sneha Abraham
Edited by
Shubhi Rathore