Former Cowboys QB Romo Makes First Statement Since Arrest

MILWAUKEE, WI — Former Dallas Cowboys quarterback and CBS Sports analyst Tony Romo pleaded no contest Tuesday to a charge of operating a vehicle while intoxicated, resulting in a six-month suspension of his driving privileges.

A Milwaukee County court also ordered Romo, 46, to install an ignition interlock device on any vehicle he owns, registers or operates. He must complete an alcohol assessment program and pay a $784 fine.

Romo was arrested July 23 in Milwaukee following a traffic stop. According to court records, an arresting officer reported detecting a “strong odor of an alcoholic beverage” on Romo’s breath. Romo performed poorly on field sobriety tests and was taken into custody before later being released.

Romo was initially cited for refusing to take a test for intoxication after an arrest. Court records later showed three additional citations: first-offense OWI, unsafe passing on the right and possessing an open intoxicant.

In a statement posted to social media following his plea, Romo said multiple back surgeries ended his NFL career and left him in “constant, debilitating pain.” He said his efforts to stop taking medication eventually led to an over-reliance on alcohol.

“None of this is an excuse,” Romo said. “These are my failures, and I take responsibility for them.”

Romo said he is working with a team of doctors to address his health and make changes moving forward.

Romo played his entire NFL career with the Cowboys from 2004 to 2016 and was selected to four Pro Bowls. He joined CBS Sports as its lead NFL game analyst in 2017.

Romo remains on leave from CBS Sports. Network president David Berson said in August that Romo’s future with CBS is an “evolving situation” that the network is still assessing.

JJ Watt is filling in for Romo on CBS’ lead NFL broadcast team.