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Fans Demand ‘Condescending’ Cop In Tony Romo Body Cam Footage Be ‘Fired’
Tony Romo’s newly released bodycam footage has sparked intense backlash against the deputy who arrested him on suspicion of operating a vehicle while intoxicated. Although some viewers believe the former Dallas Cowboys quarterback appeared impaired, others accused the officer of escalating the traffic stop and being unnecessarily condescending toward him. Several critics even called for the deputy to lose her job. However, Romo’s case remains pending, and there has been no official finding that his arrest was improper.
The footage shows a Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office deputy stopping Romo on southbound Interstate 43 after she said he made “an unsafe passing to the right, cutting across the gore.” As the interaction unfolded, Romo repeatedly attempted to ask questions and contact an attorney. Some viewers felt the deputy became confrontational too quickly and could have handled the situation differently.
“I mean yeah he was drunk clearly, and could have acted way more of a fool. But the officer definitely could have handled that a lot better than he did. Still don’t drive even if you’re just buzzed, still illegal and accidents do happen,” one person wrote while someone else simply told the department to “fire” the cop.
Another viewer simply asked, “Why were the cops so condescending?” One particularly upset commenter declared, “That cop should lose her job. That whole interaction was absolutely ridiculous.”
Romo has not been found guilty of operating a vehicle while intoxicated, and authorities have not announced disciplinary action against the deputy.
Fans Question Whether The Arrest Was Justified
Other critics went further by questioning whether the deputy had sufficient grounds to arrest the retired quarterback. “Yeah, I think cops should be held accountable for false charges and arrests. Clearly this is the case,” one person claimed.
Another wrote, “I don’t understand. The officer didn’t claim she smelled booze or booze on his breath. There were no open containers or any indication Romo was drunk. She immediately wants to do a FST, and then, when Romo says he wants to call his lawyer, she immediately arrests him.”
However, the deputy later stated that Romo had “red, glassy eyes” and that she detected the odor of an intoxicating beverage on his breath. Authorities also said “a few shooters” were discovered inside his backpack, although Romo denied drinking them.
The Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office report further alleged that Romo “performed poorly” during standardized field sobriety testing. Those reported observations formed part of the authorities’ stated basis for suspecting impairment.
Tony Romo Denied Consuming Any Alcohol
3During the stop, Romo told the deputy he was coming from a golf course and heading to see his grandparents. “The golf course, and I’m going to meet grandma and grandpa,” he explained after the deputy asked him to repeat himself over the surrounding traffic noise.
When asked how many drinks he had consumed, Romo answered, “Zero.”
The interaction became more tense after the deputy requested that he complete sobriety testing. Romo attempted to contact an attorney, saying, “I’m going to call my lawyer … if that’s okay.”
As the deputy repeatedly ordered him out of the vehicle, Romo asked, “I’m not allowed to call my lawyer?”
He ultimately stepped out and was placed in handcuffs before being transported from the bridge.
Romo Refused A Preliminary Breath Test
At the police station, Romo was asked whether he had experienced any recent head injuries or concussions. The former quarterback smiled and replied, “Over the years, yes, but not recently.”
When asked to take a preliminary breath test, he declined and cited advice he said he had previously received from attorneys. “Oh no, we’re not doing that. I’ve already heard from all the lawyers, ‘Don’t ever do that,’” Romo said.
An officer subsequently explained that authorities would seek a search warrant to obtain a chemical test. “Are you joking?” Romo responded.
Romo was booked at the Milwaukee County Jail and later released. The incident was reportedly his first suspected OWI offense, which is generally treated as a civil matter rather than a criminal charge under Wisconsin law.
Tony Romo’s Case Remains Pending
3Romo is scheduled to appear in court on September 21. Until the matter is resolved, allegations that he operated a vehicle while intoxicated remain unproven.
Neither Romo nor CBS Sports has released a detailed public statement addressing the bodycam footage.
