After ‘OWI” Arrest, What’s Next For CBS And Tony Romo?

CBS Sports has placed lead NFL game analyst Tony Romo on an indefinite leave of absence “until further notice” following his recent arrest for operating a vehicle while intoxicated (OWI), the network announced on Friday.

Former NFL star defensive lineman J.J. Watt will immediately step into the broadcast booth, temporarily replacing Romo alongside play-by-play announcer Jim Nantz and sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson for the upcoming season.

The Arrest and Suspension

The network’s decision follows Romo’s arrest on July 23 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. According to court records, law enforcement pulled Romo over after observing his vehicle weaving across lanes. Officers reportedly discovered an open container of alcohol inside the vehicle, and Romo subsequently refused a breathalyzer test.

While initial industry chatter suggested CBS would stand by the former Dallas Cowboys quarterback, the network pivoted to an indefinite suspension as the legal process unfolds. Romo is scheduled to appear in a Milwaukee courtroom on September 21.

Financial and Legal Hurdles

The broadcaster’s long-term future with the network remains highly complicated by his current contract. Romo is currently in the middle of a historic 10-year, $180 million deal signed in 2020.

With approximately four years and $72 million remaining on the contract, industry insiders note that a permanent termination hinges entirely on the exact “morality clause” language within his agreement. In Wisconsin, a first-offense OWI is typically classified as a civil infraction rather than a criminal misdemeanor. If CBS sports executives determine they lack the legal grounds to fire Romo “for cause,” terminating him outright could force the network to buy out the remainder of his massive $18 million annual salary.

CBS Sports has offer a public comment further on whether the suspension could eventually transition into a permanent firing.

Dez Bryant: “Lay Off My QB”

Romo’s former teammate, Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant, defended of Romo following the suspension, publicly urging his former quarterback to exit traditional television and build an independent media empire.

In a statement pinned to his social media profile, Bryant warned critics to “lay off my QB” and minimized the gravity of Romo’s July 23 OWI arrest by claiming the broadcaster “wasn’t even drunk.” Hailing Romo as “one of the best football minds in the history of the sport,” Bryant asserted that Romo is too intelligent for a traditional network environment and should pivot to launching his own media platform to “run circles around CBS.”