Former Dallas Cowboys quarterback and CBS Sports lead NFL analyst Tony Romo has broken his silence following his July arrest, announcing that he pleaded no contest to a civil operating while intoxicated charge in Wisconsin, according to Yahoo Sports.
Tony Romo Pleads No Contest to Wisconsin OWI
Romo was pulled over by deputies on July 23 while driving southbound on Interstate 43 in Wisconsin, after leaving the Wisconsin Amateur Championship golf tournament and heading toward his grandparents’ home, according to Your Valley. Milwaukee County court records and law enforcement reports state that Romo performed poorly on standard field sobriety tests, had red glassy eyes and an odor of alcohol, and an open bottle of an alcoholic beverage was discovered on the passenger’s side of his black Jeep. Body camera footage later showed Romo declining to submit to a breathalyzer test.
Court Penalties and Charges
Milwaukee County court records show that Romo was hit with three citations following the traffic stop: first-offense operating while intoxicated, unsafe passing on the right side, and possessing open intoxicants in his vehicle, as reported by TMZ.
As a result of his no-contest plea, Romo’s driving privileges were revoked for six months. He was also ordered to complete an Alcohol Assessment Program, pay $834 in fines, and have an interlock device installed on any vehicle owned, operated, or registered in his name for at least one year after receiving a license.
Statement on Pain, Addiction, and Taking Responsibility
In a public statement posted to his Instagram account, Romo addressed the incident directly, stating, This morning, I faced a recent personal failure by pleading no contest to a civil offense for OWl in Wisconsin. I own this completely,
according to NBC Sports.
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Romo explained that multiple back surgeries ended his playing career earlier than expected and left him with constant, debilitating pain. That pain created a dependence on prescription pain medication, and his subsequent efforts to get off those medications led to an over-reliance on alcohol.
None of this is an excuse. These are my failures, and I take responsibility for them,
Romo wrote, adding that he is working closely with a team of doctors to address his health.
Status at CBS and Future Outlook
Eight days after the July 23 traffic stop, CBS Sports placed Romo on indefinite leave. During his absence, the network has promoted J.J. Watt into Romo’s spot on the top broadcast team alongside play-by-play announcer Jim Nantz and sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson, with their first game scheduled for September 13 when the Minnesota Vikings host the Green Bay Packers.
CBS Sports President David Berson stated that the network does not have a timeline for a decision regarding Romo’s long-term future. Nevertheless, Romo concluded his statement by vowing to focus on his health and family, with the intention of an eventual return to the broadcasting booth, stating, As I turn my attention to my health, my family, and, in time, my return to CBS, I kindly ask for privacy during this period,
according to USA Today.
