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CBS Sports Takes Action After Tony Romo’s Alleged DWI Arrest
Tony Romo is stepping away from the broadcast booth following his arrest on suspicion of driving while intoxicated. CBS Sports confirmed Friday that the former Dallas Cowboys quarterback has been placed on leave just over a week after authorities stopped him in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The network did not indicate how long Romo’s absence could last or whether his status will be reconsidered following his scheduled court appearance.
CBS Sports Places Tony Romo On Leave
“Tony Romo is on leave from his role at CBS Sports until further notice,” a representative for the network told Page Six. Romo has not publicly addressed his arrest or CBS’s subsequent decision.
The 46-year-old joined the network after retiring from professional football in April 2017. He eventually became CBS Sports’ lead NFL game color analyst and one of its most prominent on-air personalities. The leave arrives as the network prepares for the upcoming NFL season, though CBS has not announced who will fill Romo’s role during his absence.
Police Reportedly Found An Open Alcohol Bottle
5Romo was stopped in Milwaukee on July 23 after police said they observed him passing other vehicles through a “gore area,” which separates interstate traffic from vehicles entering from an on-ramp. According to one of three citations released by the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office and obtained by the Associated Press, authorities found an “open bottle of an alcoholic beverage” on the passenger side of Romo’s Jeep.
The bottle was reportedly discovered while officers searched the vehicle before it was towed. The citation did not identify what type of alcohol the bottle contained or indicate whether Romo had consumed anything from it. A separate citation noted that Romo asked officers what a gore area was after he was pulled over.
Bodycam Footage Shows Romo’s Interaction With Police
Newly released bodycam footage captured portions of Romo’s stop, arrest and subsequent field sobriety testing. An officer told the former NFL player that she suspected he was intoxicated because of his “red, glassy eyes” and an “odor of an intoxicating alcoholic beverage.” Authorities said Romo failed multiple standardized field sobriety tests.
Court records also show that he received a citation for “refusing to take test for intoxication after arrest.” Romo is scheduled to appear in court on September 21. His attorney has not publicly commented on the allegations.
The former quarterback has not been convicted of driving while intoxicated, and the legal proceedings surrounding the arrest remain ongoing.
5Romo’s arrest and the officers’ conduct have sparked a significant online debate following the release of the bodycam video. Former NFL running back LeSean McCoy criticized the female officer involved in Romo’s arrest during a “Speakeasy” episode on Tuesday. “She had something against Tony right there,” McCoy claimed before joking that the officer may have “placed some bets” on Romo during his years with the Cowboys.
McCoy then questioned whether the arresting officer had gone too far during the interaction. “On a serious note, though, sometimes I think, and I’m not saying law enforcement, but sometimes we’re overdoing our job. Because he don’t even seem drunk. I know some drunk cats,” he said. “I’m giving him a pass, god dangit!”
Emmanuel Acho Refuses To Give Alleged Drunk Drivers A ‘Pass’
5McCoy’s defense of Romo immediately drew pushback from his “Speakeasy” co-host Emmanuel Acho. “If you’re driving while under the influence, I will never give you a pass. Ever. … I think it’s the empathy in me. I can’t give a pass to anyone who drives a vehicle while under the influence. He failed the sobriety test. Maybe it’s because he has a bad back, maybe it’s because he’s unathletic,” Acho responded.
Some questioned the officer’s demeanor and decision to arrest Romo, while others emphasized the potential danger associated with driving under the influence.
Romo’s Broadcasting Future Remains Unclear
5Romo spent his entire playing career with the Dallas Cowboys before retiring and transitioning to broadcasting. He quickly drew attention for his ability to anticipate plays and explain offensive strategy in real time, eventually becoming the network’s lead NFL analyst. His position at CBS Sports is now uncertain as the company awaits further developments in the Milwaukee case.
For now, Romo remains on leave as he prepares for his September court date and continues to face scrutiny over the arrest, the open bottle allegedly found inside his vehicle, and the field sobriety tests shown in the bodycam footage.
