CBS is expected to part ways with Tony Romo after his July OWI arrest and a four-year, roughly $72 million contract, likely via a buyout rather than a full termination, as negotiations unfold and insiders peg a ~95% chance he won’t return to CBS.
Former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo had a BAC of .15 at his Milwaukee OWI arrest, nearly double the legal limit. He pleaded no contest to the charge, received a six-month license revocation, must complete an alcohol assessment, and install ignition interlock devices for a year, while other citations were dismissed.
Tony Romo says he’s taking full responsibility for his Milwaukee OWI arrest and teases a possible return to CBS Sports, as he remains on leave and CBS coordinates next steps amid ongoing legal proceedings.
Tony Romo spoke through a spokesperson to address his Wisconsin OWI arrest, saying he accepts responsibility and has taken steps to resolve the civil matter. He was placed on leave by CBS, which has reshuffled its 2026 lineup, and the network is weighing next steps with Romo’s status likely a key factor in any decision.
CBS says Tony Romo is on leave while the network assesses an evolving situation tied to an OWI arrest, with no timetable for a return. J.J. Watt is slated to join Jim Nantz and Tracy Wolfson as the lead team in Romo’s absence, signaling a potential full-season stint without Romo and casting doubt on his future with CBS.
Following Tony Romo’s July OWI arrest and CBS placing him on leave, experts say the fate of his 10-year, $180 million contract hinges on the morals clause language. A broad clause could allow termination or a buyout, while a narrower provision—such as one tied to felony conduct or brand impact—could favor Romo. A potential choice-of-law provision, possible arbitration, and the lack of a conviction complicate the dispute, with a Sept. 21 court date looming. Romo’s CBS future remains uncertain as the network weighs its options and a replacement, J.J. Watt, steps in for the broadcast team.
Colin Cowherd contends CBS resented Tony Romo for leveraging a 10-year, $180 million contract, a friction he says predates Romo’s OWI arrest; ESPN pursued Romo for MNF, CBS reportedly held an intervention in 2023, and with the arrest, JJ Watt will replace Romo in the lead NFL booth, leaving Romo’s return uncertain.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones backed Tony Romo, saying he can work through his OWI arrest and praising his resilience. Romo remains on indefinite leave from CBS and will not return to air until further notice as he faces a Sept. 21 court date; CBS has replaced him with J.J. Watt and Jim Nantz, while Romo still has four years and $72 million left on his contract.
Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones expressed confidence that Tony Romo will rebound from his July OWI arrest in Wisconsin, praising Romo’s character and resilience. Romo was stopped for unsafe passing after leaving a golf tournament and is on leave from CBS Sports with a September 21 court date, while J.J. Watt fills in for the network’s NFL coverage for now.
Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones publicly backs Tony Romo, saying the former quarterback-turned-broadcaster will 'work through' his Wisconsin OWI arrest; Romo was arrested for operating a vehicle under the influence, possessing an open container and unsafe passing, reportedly refused a breath test, and CBS Sports has placed him on leave with JJ Watt slated to fill in on broadcasts.
Following a suspected OWI arrest, Tony Romo is expected to temporarily step back from the spotlight, with CBS not signaling an immediate departure; he has canceled a golf appearance and will stay low-profile this off-season while preparing for the upcoming NFL season.
Tony Romo was arrested for operating a vehicle while intoxicated in Wisconsin. CBS says it won’t fire him, but sources indicate he may step back from some public appearances as he handles fallout and prepares for the upcoming season; his court date is Sept. 21, and he remains under a long-term CBS contract through 2030.
Dan Le Batard questions whether CBS could drop Tony Romo following his Wisconsin OWI arrest, arguing Romo’s fall from broadcasting peak, his enormous contract, and possible contract provisions could spur a move, though CBS has not commented publicly and faces a high-stakes decision regarding their lead NFL analyst.
Former Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo was arrested in Wisconsin on suspicion of operating while intoxicated after taking part in the Wisconsin Amateur Championship golf tournament in West Bend. The arrest occurred on I-43 in Milwaukee, Romo reportedly failed field sobriety tests, and he was booked around 9:45 p.m. CT before being released about two hours later. His first court appearance is set for September 21, and he is due to call the Ravens-Cowboys game in Brazil soon after; breathalyzer results have not been disclosed.
Former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo was arrested for a first-offense OWI in Milwaukee after a stop on I-43; he reportedly failed standardized field sobriety tests, was booked and released the same night, and is scheduled to appear in court on Sept. 21.