Police bodycam footage has emerged showing former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo insisting on performing stretching exercises before taking a sobriety test following his arrest last week. Romo was pulled over on a Milwaukee interstate and subsequently arrested for operating while intoxicated (OWI).
The footage, obtained by The Daily Mail, captures a rambling Romo, described as having glassy eyes, performing poorly on field sobriety tests. He repeatedly mentioned experiencing back pain and having undergone "two back surgeries." While being transported in the police car, Romo also complained of discomfort and asked officers for permission to stretch.
Before commencing the sobriety tests, Romo was observed leaning against the hood of a police car and stretching his back. When questioned about his drinks, Romo initially stated he had consumed "zero." The officer informed him she had stopped him for "unsafe passing on the right" and "cutting across the gore." Romo stated he was coming from a golf course and en route to meet his grandparents, who were waiting for him to catch a flight.
Upon learning of the impending sobriety tests, Romo initially refused to exit his Jeep, stating he intended to call his lawyer and record the interaction. When he eventually complied, he questioned the officer, "Because I'm coming from a golf course you think I'm drunk?" He was subsequently detained for OWI and handcuffed.
At the police station, the 6-foot-2-inch former quarterback again expressed discomfort fitting into the police car and complained of back pain. When asked if he would consent to a breath test, Romo declined, stating, "Oh no, we're not doing that. I've heard from all the lawyers 'don't ever do that.'" He reiterated his request for a lawyer multiple times.
According to the arrest report, Romo was charged with one count of operating while intoxicated, first offense. The report states he performed poorly on standardized field sobriety tests. Romo, who played 13 seasons with the Cowboys and led them to four postseason appearances, retired in 2016. He is currently a lead NFL color analyst for CBS.
In the wake of the arrest, Romo withdrew from the Texas State Open golf tournament, where he was a regular participant. Organizers confirmed his withdrawal from the competition and a scheduled Q&A session.