Former Dallas Cowboys quarterback and CBS NFL analyst Tony Romo is facing three formal charges related to his arrest in Milwaukee County on July 23. According to online court records, the charges were filed on Thursday, August 27, and include operating a vehicle while intoxicated (OWI), possessing open intoxicants, and unsafe passing on the right.
Romo was stopped while traveling southbound on I-43. The arresting officer noted that Romo was stopped for "unsafe passing on the right" and "cutting across the gore," with an open container subsequently discovered in the passenger seat of the vehicle. During the traffic stop, Romo performed poorly on standard field sobriety tests and declined to take a breathalyzer test. Bodycam footage released on July 28 captured the interaction, showing Romo explaining to the officer that he was en route to his grandparents' home after participating in the Wisconsin Amateur Championship at a nearby golf course. The footage further documented Romo exiting his vehicle and being placed into the back of a police cruiser.
A court appearance for Romo is currently scheduled for September 21. In the aftermath of the arrest, CBS Sports placed the analyst on leave on July 31. CBS Sports president David Berson stated on August 11 that there is no established timetable for Romo's return to the broadcast booth, noting that the network must consider its image and brand when making a final decision regarding his future. J.J. Watt has been assigned to replace Romo, working alongside Jim Nantz on the network's top broadcast team.
Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones addressed the situation during an interview with KDFW Fox 4, confirming he has been in communication with his former quarterback. Expressing support for Romo, Jones stated, "I love him. I love what he’s about. I love his character. I love his love of sport. And he’s a very, very unique talent." Jones added, "The real question is – and I don’t even have to ask what the answer is: Do you think Tony Romo knows how to get up when he gets knocked down? He had a life of that. And absolutely, that’s one of his greatest attributes, is that he can handle adversity."
Contributing: Chris Bumbaca, Nick Brinkerhoff
