Former Dallas Cowboys quarterback and current CBS NFL analyst Tony Romo is facing three formal charges following his arrest in Milwaukee County on July 23. According to online court records filed on August 27, the charges include operating a vehicle while intoxicated (OWI), possessing open intoxicants, and unsafe passing on the right.
The legal proceedings stem from a traffic stop on I-43, where law enforcement officials pulled Romo over for unsafe passing and cutting across the gore. Bodycam footage from the incident, which surfaced on July 28, shows Romo explaining that he was traveling to his grandparents’ home after participating in the Wisconsin Amateur Championship at a nearby golf course. During the stop, officers discovered an open container in the passenger seat of his vehicle.
The arresting officer noted that Romo performed poorly on standard field sobriety tests (SFSTs). Following a brief exchange with the officer, Romo was taken into custody and placed in the back of a police cruiser. He subsequently declined to submit to a breathalyzer test. A court appearance regarding these charges is currently scheduled for September 21.
In the wake of the arrest, CBS placed Romo on leave on July 31. CBS Sports president David Berson has stated that there is no set timeline for his return to the broadcast booth, emphasizing that the network must carefully weigh the impact of the situation on its brand and public image. J.J. Watt has been tapped to fill the vacancy, working alongside Jim Nantz on the network’s top broadcast team.
Despite the ongoing legal challenges, Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has publicly expressed his support for his former quarterback. In an interview with KDFW Fox 4, Jones confirmed he has been in communication with Romo since the incident. Reflecting on their long-standing relationship, Jones praised Romo’s character and resilience.
“I love him,” Jones said. “I love what he’s about. I love his character. I love his love of sport. And he’s a very, very unique talent. And the real question is—and I don’t even have to ask what the answer is: Do you think Tony Romo knows how to get up when he gets knocked down? He had a life of that. And absolutely, that’s one of his greatest attributes, is that he can handle adversity.” The report also notes that 11, CBS Sports president David Berson said there’s no timetable for Romo’s return to the broadcast booth. The report also notes that watt, who operated on CBS’ second team alongside Ian Eagle, was called up to replace Romo and work alongside Jim Nantz. The report also notes that contributing: Chris Bumbaca, Nick Brinkerhoff.