Tony Romo, a prominent analyst for CBS Sports, has been placed on leave "until further notice" following his arrest last month on an operating while intoxicated (OWI) charge in Wisconsin. The decision comes just weeks before the start of the NFL season, casting uncertainty over the 46-year-old's future with the network.
Romo will not attend CBS' NFL media day in New York on Tuesday, a key event where executives and on-air talent preview the upcoming season. At the event, CBS Sports president David Berson, alongside announcers Jim Nantz and JJ Watt, who is expected to call games in Romo's place, are anticipated to face questions regarding Romo's absence.
The arrest occurred on July 23 after Romo was stopped by authorities while driving home from a golf tournament in Milwaukee. Police bodycam footage later released showed Romo failing multiple sobriety tests. Citations indicated an open container of alcohol was found in his vehicle, despite Romo's initial assertion that he had not consumed alcohol that day. Romo faces a $1,066 fine for the OWI charge and a $235 penalty for a moving violation, with a court appearance scheduled for September 21.
Speculation about Romo's standing with CBS has been fueled by reports suggesting his tenure with the network might be nearing an end. Analyst Colin Cowherd suggested on the "House of Strauss" podcast that tension between Romo and CBS may have been building since the quarterback signed a 10-year, $180 million contract in 2020. Cowherd noted that Romo's leverage during negotiations could have created resentment among network executives.
CBS, which pays Romo $18 million annually, acted swiftly to address the situation. With Romo on leave, JJ Watt is set to join Jim Nantz in the broadcast booth. Reports indicate that the network is already considering potential replacements, with Greg Olsen, currently in Fox's No. 2 booth, being mentioned as a possible candidate. Olsen reportedly has a clause in his Fox contract that allows him to leave if offered a top broadcasting role at another network.