NFL analyst Tony Romo's tenure at CBS is likely over following his recent drunk-driving arrest and subsequent plea deal, according to a sports media insider. John Ourand, a sports media insider, stated on "The Powers That Be Daily" podcast that there is a "95 percent" probability Romo will not return to CBS, which placed him on indefinite leave after the July 23 arrest.
Romo pleaded no contest to an operating while intoxicated (OWI) offense in Wisconsin. He was pulled over in his Jeep in Milwaukee and charged after reportedly performing poorly on sobriety tests. Humiliating bodycam footage of the incident later went viral.
Should Romo and CBS part ways, the network will need to negotiate the remaining approximately $72 million owed on his contract, which extends over the final four years. CBS Sports president David Berson had previously stated in early August that the situation was still under assessment with no final decision or timeline established.
Ourand suggested that the release of the bodycam footage creates a potential problem for CBS, as any perceived missteps by Romo in the broadcast booth could resurface and be linked to his arrest. "The problem with Romo is there's that video for 44 minutes and anytime he says or does something silly in the booth, which he's kind of known for being like sillier than others, then the memes start up about whether he's drunk or whether he's drinking," Ourand explained. He added that CBS is protective of its brand and may see this as an opportunity to reduce expenses.
JJ Watt has been temporarily filling Romo's broadcasting duties alongside play-by-play commentator Jim Nantz. Ourand noted that while a scenario where Watt falters could theoretically open the door for Romo's return, it is considered "really unlikely."
As part of his plea deal, Romo agreed to specific conditions. If found guilty of another OWI-related offense within the next 10 years, he faces a mandatory jail sentence. He must also install an ignition interlock device on all his vehicles. Romo was fined over $700, had his driver's license revoked for six months, and has committed to completing an alcohol assessment program. Prosecutors agreed to drop other citations, including unsafe passing and possessing open intoxicants, in exchange for the plea agreement.
Earlier in the week, Romo addressed his situation in a statement, acknowledging personal struggles with pain medication and alcohol dependency. He stated, "I own this completely," referring to his plea to the OWI offense. Romo, who played 14 seasons in the NFL for the Dallas Cowboys, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to remain connected to the game through broadcasting after his retirement.