Tony Romo Competes in Golf Tournament Amid CBS Leave Following OWI Arrest
The former NFL quarterback made his first public appearance since his July DUI and subsequent suspension from CBS.
Tony Romo has returned to public view, participating in a PGA Tour Q-School pre-qualifying event in Oklahoma, marking his first appearance since his July arrest for driving under the influence and subsequent indefinite leave from CBS.
Romo, a former Dallas Cowboys quarterback, competed at The Club at Forest Ridge in Oklahoma on Wednesday. The event is part of the Korn Ferry Tour's Q-School, a pathway for golfers seeking to join the professional tour. Video and photos of Romo, clad in a gray polo, black pants, and a white cap, were shared by News on 6.
In the first round, Romo recorded a score of 4-over par 76, placing him tied for 48th in the field and nine shots behind the leader with two rounds remaining. This is not Romo's first foray into professional golf qualifiers; he has previously competed in PGA Tour Q-School pre-qualifying events.
The golfer's public re-emergence follows his arrest in Wisconsin on July 23 for driving under the influence. He was also cited for refusing an intoxication test, possessing open intoxicants in a moving vehicle, and unsafe passing on the right. Subsequent reports indicated his blood-alcohol level was .15, nearly twice the legal limit.
Following the arrest, Romo was placed on leave from CBS, where he serves as the network's top NFL analyst. CBS Sports president David Berson stated in August that the company was evaluating the situation and had no immediate timeline for Romo's return, noting the importance of the network's image and brand. J.J. Watt has been filling in for Romo in the broadcast booth, most recently assigned to the Chiefs-Raiders game in Week 4. Romo was not included in CBS's broadcast schedule for that week.
Romo addressed the incident in September, posting a statement on social media acknowledging an "over-reliance on alcohol" stemming from pain management related to multiple back procedures during his 13-year NFL career. He stated he took "full responsibility" for his actions.
He pleaded no contest through his lawyer to the OWI charge, with the other three citations dismissed as part of a plea agreement. Romo is still owed approximately $72 million over the final four years of his contract signed in 2020. Legal experts have suggested that CBS may face challenges in voiding his contract based on morals clauses following his arrest.
Romo joined CBS as an analyst after retiring from the NFL in 2017 and has partnered with Jim Nantz and Tracy Wolfson. He has previously competed in Korn Ferry Tour events in 2020 and 2021, as well as the AT&T Byron Nelson.