Tony Romo's lucrative contract with CBS is reportedly under scrutiny following his arrest for operating while intoxicated (OWI) in Milwaukee. The former Dallas Cowboys quarterback, who earns $18 million annually, has been placed on leave by the network as executives deliberate on his future, with the upcoming NFL season looming.
The situation escalated after police bodycam footage of Romo's arrest was released, changing the internal conversation at CBS. According to a source close to the network, while Romo was cooperative and respectful during the interaction, the release of the footage renewed calls for consequences. Executives are concerned about the precedent they would set for other on-air talent if Romo were to continue without punishment, fearing it could imply that top personalities are above reproach.
Romo was pulled over by police in Milwaukee after a day of golf, subsequently failing multiple sobriety tests despite reportedly stating he had consumed no alcohol. He is due in court on September 21, which falls after the NFL season's initial weeks.
CBS faces a complex decision. On one hand, many within the network have a positive relationship with Romo, and the initial expectation was that he could resolve the legal process and return to broadcasting. However, the public nature of the arrest and the released footage have complicated this outlook. The network is also considering the potential embarrassment of Romo returning to the airwaves only to face further negative attention.
To fill the void, JJ Watt is set to partner with Jim Nantz for CBS's No. 1 NFL broadcast team. This move raises further questions about potential internal dynamics if Romo were to return, including whether Nantz would follow Romo to a potentially demoted broadcast role, impacting other commentators like Ian Eagle.
In the immediate aftermath, CBS is allowing the legal process to unfold and has given Romo time to address the situation personally. The expectation is that he will issue a public apology and begin moving forward with his career, though whether that continues with CBS remains uncertain. Romo's scheduled participation in the CBS preseason media seminar and subsequent broadcast assignments, including a Week 1 game and an international matchup in Brazil, have been impacted by his leave of absence.