Former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo has pleaded no contest to operating while intoxicated (OWI) following his arrest in Milwaukee in July, court records confirm. An attorney entered the plea on behalf of the retired football player and current CBS broadcaster. The court found Romo guilty, revoking his driver's license for six months and mandating completion of an alcohol assessment program.
Romo was also ordered to pay a $784 fine by November 2. Failure to meet this deadline will result in a one-year license suspension. Additionally, the court requires Romo to install an ignition interlock device on any vehicle he owns, operates, or registers. This device measures a driver's blood alcohol content.
The arrest occurred on July 23 near the Marquette Interchange in downtown Milwaukee. Romo was initially suspected of operating while under the influence and subsequently received citations for OWI, unsafe passing, and possession of an open container in a moving vehicle. Following the arrest, CBS Sports placed Romo on leave.
In a statement shared on social media, Romo addressed the plea, stating, "This morning, I faced a recent personal failure by pleading no contest to a civil offense for OWI in Wisconsin. I own this completely."
He explained that multiple back surgeries ended his career prematurely and led to constant, debilitating pain. Romo indicated that this pain resulted in a dependence on medication, and his subsequent efforts to stop taking those medications led to an over-reliance on alcohol. He emphasized that these circumstances are not excuses and he takes full responsibility for his failures.
Romo requested privacy to focus on his health, family, and his return to CBS. He stated he is working with a team of doctors to address his health and make necessary changes. He expressed gratitude for the support from his family, friends, and the NFL community.
Romo, a four-time Pro Bowler, spent his entire 13-season NFL career with the Cowboys after joining as an undrafted free agent in 2003. He became the Cowboys' starting quarterback in 2006. In 2017, Romo joined CBS Sports as the lead game analyst for "NFL on CBS."