Tony Romo pleads no contest to OWI charge in Wisconsin

Tony Romo, a former Dallas Cowboys quarterback and lead NFL analyst for CBS Sports, has pleaded no contest to a charge of operating while intoxicated (OWI) in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The plea follows an arrest on July 23 after a traffic stop on Interstate 43.

As part of the court's ruling, Romo's driving privileges have been revoked for six months. He is also required to complete an alcohol assessment program, pay a fine (reported between $748 and $843), and install an ignition interlock device on any vehicle he owns or operates for at least one year after his license is reinstated.

Romo issued a public apology via Instagram, stating that multiple back surgeries during his football career left him with chronic, debilitating pain. He explained that this led to a dependence on pain medication, and his subsequent efforts to move away from those medications resulted in an over-reliance on alcohol. He noted, “None of this is an excuse. These are my failures, and I take responsibility for them.”

CBS Sports placed Romo on indefinite leave following the arrest. The network has tapped JJ Watt to fill his role in the broadcast booth. Romo indicated in his statement that he is working with medical professionals to address his health and expressed hope for a eventual return to CBS.