Tony Romo pleads no contest to drunk driving, opens up on booze problem

Tony Romo, the former Dallas Cowboys quarterback and current CBS NFL analyst, has pleaded no contest to a charge of operating while intoxicated. The charge stems from an arrest made on July 23 in Wisconsin, after Romo was stopped while driving on Interstate 43 southbound. As a result of the incident, CBS has placed Romo on leave from his role as the lead NFL analyst.

Romo lost his driving privileges for six months and was required to complete an alcohol assessment program, paying a fine of $834. An interlock device must also be installed on any vehicle he owns or operates, a requirement that will remain in effect for at least a year after he obtains a new license. In a statement on Instagram, Romo apologized for his actions, stating that they required him to confront and own his mistakes, including the back surgeries that led to his retirement from playing.

He noted that his pain led to a dependence on pain medication, which in turn contributed to his over-reliance on alcohol. Romo emphasized that these were his failures and he takes full responsibility for them. He thanked his family, friends, and the NFL community for their support, requesting privacy as he focuses on his health, family, and potential return to CBS.

Romo, 46, served as the lead game analyst for CBS' NFL coverage since 2017, having made four Pro Bowl appearances during his 12-year career with the Cowboys. During his absence, analyst JJ Watt will join Jim Nantz and Tracy Wolfson on CBS Sports' lead NFL team. Their first game together will be on September 13, when the Minnesota Vikings visit the Green Bay Packers.