Former Dallas Cowboys quarterback and CBS Sports NFL analyst Tony Romo pleaded no contest on Tuesday to a charge of operating while intoxicated (OWI) in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin. The court found him guilty and revoked his driving privileges for six months, according to court records and multiple reports.
Romo was also ordered to install an ignition interlock device on any vehicle he owns, operates, or registers in his name for a minimum of one year after his license is reinstated. Additionally, he must complete an alcohol assessment program and pay a $784 fine by November 2, with failure to do so resulting in a one-year license suspension. Two other citations—unsafe passing and possession of an open container—were dismissed by a judge on Tuesday morning.
-- Legal Consequences and Timeline --
The court’s decision follows Romo’s July 23 arrest in Milwaukee, where he was stopped while driving southbound on Interstate 43. According to an arrest-detention report, Romo performed poorly on a field sobriety test, leading deputies to take him into custody on suspicion of OWI. He was booked at the Milwaukee County Jail and released the same evening.
Romo’s attorney entered the no-contest plea on his behalf during the Tuesday hearing. The plea was accepted by the court, which found him guilty of the OWI charge. Romo’s driving privileges were immediately revoked for six months, with the ignition interlock device requirement taking effect upon license reinstatement. The alcohol assessment program is a mandatory component of his sentence, though specific details about its duration or content were not disclosed in court records.
-- Romo’s Public Statement and Health Context --
In a statement posted to Instagram following the hearing, Romo acknowledged the incident as a personal failure and expressed full responsibility. He cited chronic pain from multiple back surgeries during his NFL career as a contributing factor to his struggles with pain medication dependence, which he said led to an over-reliance on alcohol.
"This morning, I faced a recent personal failure by pleading no contest to a civil offense for OWI in Wisconsin. I own this completely," Romo wrote. "Multiple back surgeries ended my career earlier than I expected and left me with constant, debilitating pain. That pain led to a dependence on pain medication, and my efforts to get off those medications led to an over-reliance on alcohol."
Romo emphasized that his statement was not intended as an excuse but as an acknowledgment of accountability. He also noted that he is working with a team of medical professionals to address his health and make necessary changes. "None of this is an excuse. These are my failures, and I take responsibility for them," he added.
-- Professional and Personal Impact --
Romo’s legal troubles have had professional repercussions. CBS Sports placed him on indefinite leave shortly after his arrest in July, and the network has not provided a timeline for his return. CBS Sports president David Berson stated last month that no decision had been made regarding Romo’s future with the network.
Romo, who has served as CBS’s lead NFL game analyst since 2017, expressed gratitude for the support from his family, friends, and the NFL community. He requested privacy during this period as he focuses on his health and family.
-- Background on the Arrest and Charges --
The initial arrest report indicated that Romo was stopped near the Marquette Interchange in downtown Milwaukee. Deputies noted in the report that Romo exhibited signs of impairment during the traffic stop, including difficulties with field sobriety tests. The citations issued at the time included OWI, unsafe passing on the right, and possession of an open container in a moving vehicle.
On Tuesday, the judge dismissed the unsafe passing and open container charges, leaving only the OWI conviction active. The dismissed charges did not result in additional penalties or fines.
-- Next Steps and Public Response --
Romo’s legal obligations are now clearly defined, with the ignition interlock device requirement set to begin after his six-month driving ban concludes. The alcohol assessment program will commence as part of his sentence, though specific details about its structure or duration were not provided in available reports.
Public reaction to Romo’s statement has been largely supportive, with many commenters on social media praising his accountability and transparency. Romo’s three sons, whom he referenced in his statement, have been a focal point of his reflections on responsibility and personal growth.
As Romo navigates the legal and personal consequences of this incident, the timeline for his return to CBS Sports remains uncertain. The network has not indicated whether his role will be affected long-term by the OWI conviction or his ongoing health management.