Charles Barkley Comments on Tiger Woods' DUI Arrest, Golf Star's 'Haters'

Basketball Hall of Famer Charles Barkley defended Tiger Woods over his recent DUI arrest during an interview Wednesday.

On 97.5 FM The Fanatic Philadelphia (h/t TMZ Sports), Barkley said Woods' "haters" are "in heaven right now because they get a chance to dump on the guy."

He also backed Tiger due to the fact that his DUI wasn't related to alcohol: "He just had a bad reaction [to prescription medication]. He wasn't out there drinking and driving."

According to ESPN.com's Bob Harig, Woods said in a statement that a mixture of prescription medications impacted him more than he realized:

"I understand the severity of what I did and I take full responsibility for my actions. I want the public to know that alcohol was not involved. What happened was an unexpected reaction to prescribed medications. I didn't realize the mix of medications had affected me so strongly."

Woods is recovering from his fourth back surgery since 2014.

After news of Woods' arrest became public, fellow golf legend Jack Nicklaus commented on Tiger's status, per ESPN.com: "I feel bad for Tiger. Tiger's a friend. He's been great for the game of golf. He needs our help. I wish him well."

During Wednesday's interview, Barkley took exception with the Golden Bear: "Even Jack Nicklaus, somebody I really respect, talking about, 'Tiger really needs help.' Well, he don't know that. We don't know if Tiger has a drug problem."

Nicklaus is golf's all-time leader in major championship victories with 18.

Woods once seemed like a sure bet to surpass him, but he remains second with 14 and has not won a major title since the 2008 U.S. Open.