Former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo is facing multiple new citations in Milwaukee stemming from his July arrest for allegedly operating a vehicle while intoxicated (OWI). These latest legal developments could further complicate his potential return to the broadcast booth for CBS Sports, which placed him on leave shortly after the initial incident.
New Legal Challenges Emerge
Romo was initially stopped on a highway in July on suspicion of OWI. Following the stop, he reportedly did not perform satisfactorily on field sobriety tests administered by law enforcement. He was subsequently released and is scheduled to appear in court in September for the initial charges.
According to recently filed court records, as detailed in a report by the New York Post, Romo now faces additional allegations. These include a first-offense operating while intoxicated charge, unsafe passing on the right side, and possessing open intoxicants inside his vehicle.
Romo's Statement and Broadcast Uncertainty
A spokesperson for Romo released a statement indicating that the former quarterback acknowledges full accountability for his actions, emphasizing that the matter is civil, not criminal. The statement read:
"Tony accepts full responsibility for his actions and has taken proactive steps to ensure that this isolated civil matter is properly resolved. We are working with local authorities to bring this matter to a close and we are communicating with CBS about next steps."
Immediately following his arrest, CBS Sports announced that Romo would be on leave from his broadcasting duties "until further notice." This decision sparked considerable speculation regarding the longevity of his tenure in the CBS broadcast booth.
Industry Perspectives and CBS's Stance
Among those who offered commentary on the situation was Boomer Esiason, who suggested that Romo's time with CBS might be concluding. "If I had to guess, purely speculation given what’s going on right now, I would think it’s over," Esiason stated on WFAN, adding, "He may end up going somewhere else and getting things straightened out."
CBS Sports President David Berson recently addressed the situation, describing it as an "evolving situation." Berson indicated that the network is still evaluating the circumstances and that there is no definitive timeline for Romo's potential return, or even if he will return at all.
"It’s an evolving situation and therefore we are still assessing," Berson explained. "There is no timetable or final decision at this time."
Berson also noted the sensitive nature of the matter. "I hope you can respect and appreciate this is a personnel matter and a legal one for Tony, so I can’t speak to that aspect of things," he said.
These newly issued citations are unlikely to improve Romo's prospects for a swift return to his broadcasting role.
