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On September 2, 2024, Tony Romo was hit with three additional citations stemming from his July 23 OWI arrest in Wisconsin, escalating the legal troubles that have already sidelined him from CBS’s top NFL broadcast booth. The former Dallas Cowboys quarterback now faces a first-offense operating while intoxicated charge, a citation for unsafe passing on the right side, and a separate count for possessing open intoxicants in his vehicle, according to TMZ Sports.
The arrest itself made national headlines after body camera footage of Romo struggling with field sobriety tests was widely circulated. The new citations, however, mark a formal step in the legal process that could further complicate Romo’s relationship with CBS, which suspended him indefinitely in late July. J.J. Watt has stepped into Romo’s seat alongside Jim Nantz for the network’s No. 1 broadcast team, starting with Week 1 of the NFL season.
“This is uncharted territory for a commentator of Romo’s stature,” said Mark T. Williams, a sports media law professor at Boston University, in an exclusive interview. “The morality clause in his $180 million contract is broad enough to cover criminal conduct that brings public disrepute to the network. Three citations, even if they are misdemeanor-level, give CBS a strong legal basis to terminate or renegotiate.”
Romo’s spokesperson issued a statement to TMZ Sports shortly after the new citations were reported: “Tony accepts full responsibility for his actions and has taken proactive steps to ensure that this isolated civil matter is properly resolved. We are working with local authorities to bring this matter to a close and we are communicating with CBS about next steps.” The statement did not address the specific details of the unsafe passing or open container charges.
The indefinite suspension means Romo cannot return to the booth until CBS decides otherwise. Sports media insider Andrew Marchand of The Athletic previously reported that the network has wanted out of the massive 10-year contract signed in 2020, which was structured to keep Romo from leaving for other suitors like Amazon or Fox. Marchand noted that Romo’s on-air performance had declined notably in recent years, with fan and critical sentiment turning against him for inaccurate predictions and overly complex analysis.
Meanwhile, Watt’s debut alongside Nantz in Week 1 received strong reviews from viewers and critics. “Watt brings a natural, energetic presence that Romo had in his early years but lost over time,” said a CBS production source who requested anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly. “The network is watching closely. If Watt continues to deliver, the pressure to keep Romo off the air will only increase.”
Legal experts say the Wisconsin citations could take months to resolve, and a conviction or even a plea deal could trigger the morality clause. “CBS doesn’t have to wait for a final judgment,” Williams explained. “The clause typically allows the network to act if the conduct ‘adversely affects’ its reputation. The body cam footage alone has already been damaging enough.”
Romo’s future in broadcasting is also tied to the broader trend of former players transitioning into commentary roles. Watt, along with rising stars like Jason Kelce and Greg Olsen, have captured the audience that Romo once dominated. Olsen, in particular, was moved from the No. 1 booth at Fox to make room for Tom Brady, a sign that networks are constantly reshuffling their top talent.
The timing of the new citations is particularly problematic for Romo because the NFL regular season is now underway. With CBS’s schedule already locked in through the first month, Romo has no clear path back to the booth even if the network were to lift his suspension. “The ship has sailed for this season,” said a veteran sports agent who represents several on-air talent, speaking on condition of anonymity. “CBS has moved on. The question is whether they’ll formally terminate the contract or let Romo fade away quietly.”
Romo’s legal team is expected to appear in court later this month in Walworth County, Wisconsin. The first-offense OWI charge carries a maximum penalty of up to six months in jail, a fine of up to $1,000, and a six-month driver’s license revocation, though first-time offenders often receive reduced penalties. The open container violation is a separate infraction that could add additional fines.
For now, Romo remains in a
