Golfer Tiger Woods, a friend and former golf partner of President Trump, released a statement on social media late Monday night in the week of a week of protests following the death of George Floyd.
"My heart goes out to George Floyd, his loved ones and all of us who are hurting right now," Woods said.
Woods also gave words of support to police.
"I have always had the utmost respect for our law enforcement," Woods said. "They train so diligently to understand how, when and where to use force. This shocking tragedy clearly crossed that line."
Woods also condemned violent looting and property damage by citing the rioting following the 1992 acquittal of four white LAPD officers who beaten Rodney King.
"We can make our points without burning the very neighborhoods that we live in. I hope that through constructive, honest conversations we can build a safer, unified society."
Woods joined the ranks of other superstar athletes, including Michael Jordan and LeBron James, to release statements about Floyd's death and the protests.
Woods statement was released hours after President Trump made a speech vowing to bring the protests to an end through "law and order" shortly after peaceful protesters were cleared from a park near the White House with tear gas and rubber bullets.
In 2019, after Trump congratulated Woods for winning the Masters golf tournament, Woods sidestepped questions about his relationship and support for Trump.
"Well, I've known Donald for a number of years," Woods said. "We've played golf together. We've had dinner together. I've known him pre-presidency and obviously during his presidency."
"He's the President of the United States. You have to respect the office. No matter who is in the office, you may like, dislike personality or the politics, but we all must respect the office."
Later that year, President Trump awarded Woods the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
