Romo pleads no contest to OWI charge, faces suspension and interlock device
Romo pleaded no contest to OWI, receiving suspension and interlock device requirements.
Event / Security
Tony Romo DUI Arrest Milwaukee
Former Dallas Cowboys quarterback and CBS Sports NFL analyst Tony Romo pleaded no contest to operating while intoxicated following his arrest in Milwaukee on July 23, 2026. He received a six-month driving suspension, ignition interlock device requirement, and alcohol assessment program. CBS Sports placed him on indefinite leave.
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2026-09-02 to 2026-11-07 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 2 Sept, 00:16 UTC
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What happened
Romo cites pain medication dependence and alcohol over-reliance in public statement
In an Instagram statement, Romo attributed his struggle with alcohol to dependence on pain medication stemming from multiple back surgeries during his NFL career. He stated that his efforts to get off pain medication led to an over-reliance on alcohol. He emphasized taking full responsibility for his actions and indicated he is working with doctors to address his health.
Tony Romo pleads no contest to operating while intoxicated charge in Wisconsin
Tony Romo, former Dallas Cowboys quarterback and CBS Sports NFL analyst, pleaded no contest to a civil charge of operating a vehicle while intoxicated following his arrest in Milwaukee on July 23. He was pulled over on Interstate 43 near downtown Milwaukee and performed poorly on field sobriety tests.
Romo receives six-month driving suspension and must install ignition interlock device
As part of the no-contest plea, Romo lost his driving privileges for six months and must complete an alcohol assessment program. He is required to have an ignition interlock device installed on any vehicle he owns or operates for at least one year after re-obtaining his license. He also owes $834 in forfeiture payments due by November 2.
Romo was pulled over while leaving golf tournament in Milwaukee
Romo was pulled over on Interstate 43 near downtown Milwaukee on July 23. He was leaving a golf tournament at the time. Officers detected the smell of alcohol on his breath and found an open container in the passenger seat and several shooters in his backpack.
Additional traffic citations filed against Romo from July incident
Court records showed that three additional charges were filed against Romo related to the July 23 incident: unsafe passing on the right, possessing open intoxicants, and operating a vehicle while intoxicated. The initial citation from July was for refusing to take an intoxication test.
Romo placed on indefinite leave from CBS Sports following arrest
CBS Sports placed Romo on indefinite leave from his role as lead NFL analyst on July 31. J.J. Watt was named as his interim replacement, joining play-by-play announcer Jim Nantz and sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson. CBS Sports president David Berson stated there is no timeline for a decision about Romo's future with the network.
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