Tony Romo, CBS's lead NFL analyst, has been placed on leave from the network following an arrest for operating while intoxicated (OWI) on July 23 in Wisconsin. The network confirmed Romo is on leave "until further notice."
While Romo is under contract with CBS for the foreseeable future, The Athletic reported that the network possesses the ability to terminate his deal. Romo's contract, which is reportedly worth $180 million over 10 years and includes $72 million over the next four years, contains a morals clause. This clause allows networks to challenge a talent's ability to represent their brand positively following public embarrassment.
According to authorities, Romo was stopped while driving around 8 p.m. on July 23. He reportedly failed sobriety tests and was taken into custody. Court records indicate Romo refused a breathalyzer test after his arrest. He was found to have an open container of alcohol in his vehicle. Romo is scheduled for a court hearing on September 21, though his attendance is not mandatory. He faces fines totaling $1,568.50.
J.J. Watt, a former NFL player, is set to replace Romo on CBS's top broadcast team, joining Jim Nantz and Tracy Wolfson. Romo, a former Dallas Cowboys quarterback, joined CBS as a color analyst in 2017 after retiring from the NFL. He has served as the network's lead NFL analyst for nine years. While once considered a prominent figure in NFL broadcasting, Romo has faced increasing criticism from some fans regarding his commentary style.