CBS will not terminate Tony Romo from his $18 million-a-year NFL analyst position following his recent arrest for operating while intoxicated (OWI) in Milwaukee, according to reports. The 46-year-old former quarterback was taken into custody last week after being pulled over on a high-rise bridge and reportedly performing poorly on sobriety tests. He was later released and is scheduled to appear in court on September 21.
A source close to Romo told the Daily Mail that the analyst acknowledges making a "terrible decision" and has "disappointed" those around him, including his family and colleagues. Romo has reportedly contacted his employers and intends to keep a low profile while addressing the legal proceedings and preparing for the upcoming NFL season.
Despite calls from some to remove Romo from his broadcast duties, CBS executives stated that his job is not in jeopardy. One executive commented that while the incident is significant, it would not lead to his termination. Insiders believe the arrest to be an isolated lapse in judgment, and that Romo is well-liked by his colleagues and superiors. The network indicated that further incidents could lead to disciplinary action, including suspension or termination.
Romo, who spent his 13-season NFL career with the Dallas Cowboys before retiring in 2016, has been the lead color analyst for NFL on CBS for nearly a decade. He has faced criticism in recent seasons for unusual commentary and occasional factual errors during broadcasts. He withdrew from the Texas State Open golf tournament this week, an event he typically participates in, and also canceled a planned Q&A session ahead of the competition, signaling a desire to avoid public attention.
