Former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo, now a CBS NFL analyst, faced a Wisconsin court on Tuesday and entered a no‑contest plea to operating a vehicle while intoxicated (OWI). Court records show his driver’s license will be suspended for six months, he must pay a $784 fine, complete an Alcohol Assessment Program, and install an ignition‑interlock device on any vehicle he owns.
Legal consequences and court findings
Police reports from the July traffic stop noted a strong odor of alcohol and an open bottle of an alcoholic beverage on the passenger side of Romo’s car. He was also cited for refusing a chemical test, marking this as a first‑offense OWI.
Romo’s public statement
In an Instagram post to his 658,000 followers, Romo took full responsibility, saying, “I own this completely.” He explained that multiple back surgeries left him with chronic, debilitating pain, leading to a dependence on pain medication. His attempts to taper off those drugs, he said, resulted in an over‑reliance on alcohol.
Romo invoked the lessons he teaches his three young sons: “When you fall short, you stand up and take full responsibility.” He described his next steps as honest self‑examination, seeking medical help, and relying on the support of his family, friends, and the broader NFL community.
Impact on his broadcasting career
CBS Sports placed Romo on leave following the arrest, pending the outcome of the legal process. The network has not announced a timeline for his return.
Community response
Fans and fellow analysts, including Tom Brady, responded with supportive comments on Romo’s post. The statement has garnered nearly 17,000 likes, reflecting a mixture of concern and encouragement.
Romo’s openness about his struggle with pain medication and alcohol highlights the broader issue of substance dependence among former professional athletes, a topic that continues to draw attention from both the sports and health communities.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
