Former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo, now CBS’s lead NFL analyst, has taken legal responsibility for a July traffic stop in Wisconsin that resulted in a charge of operating while intoxicated. Romo entered a no‑contest plea, acknowledging his wrongdoing without admitting guilt, and the Milwaukee County court ordered several penalties.
Legal consequences and CBS response
The court stripped Romo of his driving privileges for six months, imposed a mandatory alcohol‑assessment program, and required the installation of an ignition‑interlock device on any vehicle he owns or operates for at least one year after his license is reinstated. He also owes $834 in court fees. CBS Sports promptly placed Romo on leave from his analyst duties while the matter is resolved.
Romo’s personal statement
In an Instagram post, Romo said the past month has forced him to confront his failures before “the Lord, to myself, to my family and now to the public.” He explained that chronic pain from multiple back surgeries after his retirement in 2016 led to a dependence on pain medication, which in turn contributed to an over‑reliance on alcohol. “None of this is an excuse,” Romo wrote, “these are my failures, and I take responsibility for them.” He added that he is working with a team of doctors to address his health and asked for privacy as he focuses on recovery and a potential return to CBS.
Details of the arrest
Milwaukee County sheriff’s records show Romo performed poorly on field‑sobriety tests and that an open bottle of alcohol was found in the passenger side of his black Jeep during an inventory before the vehicle was towed. Body‑camera footage captured Romo telling deputies he was coming from a golf course and heading to visit his grandparents when stopped. An officer noted Romo’s “red glassy eyes” and the “odor of an intoxicating alcoholic beverage,” leading to the suspicion of impairment.
Impact on CBS NFL coverage
With Romo on leave, CBS has reshuffled its lead broadcast team. Analyst JJ Watt will join play‑by‑play announcer Jim Nantz and sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson for the upcoming game on September 13 between the Minnesota Vikings and the Green Bay Packers. CBS Sports President David Berson said there is no set timeline for a decision regarding Romo’s future with the network.
Romo’s career highlights
Romo, 46, spent his entire 12‑year playing career with the Dallas Cowboys, earning four Pro Bowl selections and retiring in 2016. He remains the franchise leader in career touchdown passes (248) and held the record for passing yards (34,183) until it was surpassed by Dak Prescott last season.
The incident serves as a reminder that even high‑profile athletes and broadcasters are not immune to personal struggles and legal accountability. Romo’s public apology and commitment to treatment align with a broader conversation about substance‑use challenges among former professional athletes.
Original reporting: Fort Worth, TX Sports (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
