Former NFL quarterback and CBS analyst Tony Romo has reached a plea agreement in his operating while intoxicated (OWI) case in Wisconsin, which includes a warning of mandatory jail time for any future OWI-related convictions within the next 10 years.
Romo was arrested on July 23 in Milwaukee after being pulled over in his Jeep and subsequently charged with OWI following a field sobriety test. The incident led to viral bodycam footage.
This week, Romo pleaded no contest to the civil offense. As part of the plea deal, he has agreed to have an ignition interlock device installed on all his vehicles. He was also fined over $700 and his driver's license has been revoked for six months. Additionally, Romo will complete an alcohol assessment program.
Prosecutors have agreed to dismiss other citations, including unsafe passing and possessing open intoxicants in his vehicle, in exchange for Romo's adherence to the plea deal's conditions. The original charge was first-offense OWI.
Romo, 46, addressed his struggles with pain medication and alcohol dependency in a statement, taking accountability for the incident. He explained that multiple back surgeries during his playing career led to constant pain, which in turn prompted a dependence on pain medication. His efforts to wean himself off those medications resulted in an over-reliance on alcohol.
"This is one of those moments when I am leaning on everything football taught me," Romo stated. "This morning, I faced a recent personal failure by pleading no contest to a civil offense for OWl in Wisconsin. I own this completely."
He added, "None of this is an excuse. These are my failures, and I take responsibility for them."
Following his arrest, Romo was placed on an indefinite leave from his broadcasting duties at CBS, with JJ Watt temporarily filling his role. Romo expressed gratitude for the support of his family, friends, and the NFL community, and indicated a desire to focus on his health and, eventually, return to CBS. He requested privacy during this period.
"As I turn my attention to my health, my family, and, in time, my return to CBS, I kindly ask for privacy during this period," he said. He is married to Candice Crawford and has three sons.