BREAKING: Tony Romo’s Statement After Arrest Revealed
Tony Romo has broken his silence over a month after his July arrest in Wisconsin, issuing a heartfelt statement that admits to an over-reliance on alcohol and pain medication stemming from his playing career.
The CBS NFL analyst and former Dallas Cowboys quarterback pleaded no contest Tuesday to a civil offense for operating while intoxicated (OWI) in Milwaukee County . In a lengthy Instagram post, Romo took full responsibility for what he called a “personal failure” .
“I own this completely,” Romo wrote. “Multiple back surgeries ended my career earlier than I expected and left me with constant, debilitating pain. That pain led to a dependence on pain medication, and my efforts to get off those medications led to an over-reliance on alcohol” .
Romo, 46, was arrested July 23 following a traffic stop on Interstate 43 in Milwaukee . He was booked into Milwaukee County Jail and released after allegedly performing poorly on field sobriety tests . An open bottle of an alcoholic beverage was reportedly found in the passenger’s side of his black Jeep .
The case was amended last week to include citations for possessing open intoxicants in a motor vehicle, unsafe passing on the right, and first-offense OWI . He had already received a citation for refusing to take a test for intoxication after arrest . All citations except the OWI have since been dismissed .
Body camera footage obtained by The Dallas Morning News showed Romo telling deputies he had been coming from a golf course and was on his way “to visit grandma and grandpa” when he was stopped . A deputy told Romo he suspected impairment due to “red glassy eyes” and an “odor of an intoxicating alcoholic beverage” .
According to Milwaukee County court records, Romo lost his driving privileges for six months and was ordered to complete an alcohol assessment program . He must pay a $748 fine by Nov. 2 . An ignition interlock device must be installed on any vehicle he owns or operates, remaining in effect for at least one year after his license is reissued .
Romo’s statement emphasized accountability, comparing the situation to lessons he teaches his three sons .
“As I have taught my three young sons: when you fall short, you stand up and take full responsibility. That is an important first step,” he wrote. “The harder and more important step is examining the path that brought you here and making the changes necessary to move forward. That path requires honesty” .
“None of this is an excuse. These are my failures and I take responsibility for them” .
The former quarterback, who made four Pro Bowls during a 14-year career with the Cowboys, has been the lead game analyst for CBS’s NFL coverage since 2017 . CBS placed him on leave “until further notice” following his arrest . Analyst JJ Watt will join play-by-play announcer Jim Nantz and sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson on CBS Sports’ lead NFL team during Romo’s absence, beginning Sept. 13 when the Minnesota Vikings host the Green Bay Packers . CBS Sports president David Berson has not provided a timeline for a decision on Romo’s future with the network .
Romo said he is now working “closely with a team of doctors to address my health and make the necessary changes” . He thanked his family, friends, and the NFL community for their support .
“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,” Romo concluded .
Cowboys franchise leader in career touchdown passes (248) until Dak Prescott surpassed him last season, Romo grew up in Burlington, Wisconsin, about 35 miles southwest of Milwaukee . Fellow analysts Tom Brady and Dez Bryant showed support on his Instagram post with heart and folded hands emojis .
