Tony Romo, a prominent analyst on CBS‘s top NFL broadcast team, has been placed on leave by the network. This decision follows his arrest in Wisconsin eight days prior on suspicion of operating while intoxicated. The network issued a brief statement on Friday, confirming that Romo is on leave from his role at CBS Sports “until further notice.”
In Romo’s absence, J.J. Watt, who was part of the network’s second broadcast team last NFL season alongside Ian Eagle, will now join play-by-play announcer Jim Nantz and sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson on the primary broadcast team. CBS has not yet announced its full broadcast lineups for the upcoming season, with its initial NFL broadcasts scheduled to begin in six weeks.
Details of the Arrest and Citations
Romo was taken into custody on July 23 after being pulled over on Interstate 43 in Milwaukee County. The incident occurred after his participation in the Wisconsin Amateur Golf Championship. Body camera footage of the situation, including Romo’s reported difficulties with field sobriety tests, was posted online.
According to documents released by the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office, an open bottle of an alcoholic beverage was found on the passenger side of Romo’s Jeep. Police documents obtained indicate that Romo received three citations following his arrest. The first citation was for operating while intoxicated. A second citation was issued for the open alcoholic beverage, observed during an inventory of the vehicle when it was being towed.
Romo also received a third citation for unsafe passing. Authorities allege that he drove on the right shoulder of Interstate 43 to pass other vehicles during rush-hour traffic. Police further claim that Romo cut across a marked gore, which is the triangular neutral zone where a highway splits or merges, and continued using the right shoulder to pass traffic before he was pulled over.
An arrest report states that Romo performed poorly on standardized field sobriety tests. He was subsequently taken into custody and later released. A court hearing related to these citations is scheduled for September 21, though Romo is not required to appear at this hearing. The police documents specify that Romo faces a $1,066 fine for the OWI offense, a $267 fine for the open intoxicants offense, and a $235.50 fine for the unsafe passing offense.
Romo’s Career Transition to Broadcasting
Romo, who spent 13 seasons as a quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys, transitioned into his high-profile broadcasting role with CBS in 2017, following his retirement as a player. He quickly gained recognition as a broadcaster, partly due to his ability to anticipate plays before they unfolded during games.
However, in recent seasons, his broadcasting style has drawn some scrutiny. His casual approach has sometimes led to commentary described as meandering, and questions have been raised regarding his preparation. Romo signed a 10-year, $180 million extension with CBS in February 2020, an agreement that is set to continue through the 2030 season.
Romo grew up in Burlington, Wis., approximately 40 miles southwest of Milwaukee. He graduated from Burlington High and played college football at Eastern Illinois. He joined the Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2003 and became the starting quarterback in 2006. He holds the franchise record for touchdown passes with 248.
He retired after the 2016 season and has been a part of CBS’s top broadcast team since then.
Source: bostonglobe.com
Mason Reed
Sports reporter covering football, basketball and international competitions.