Questions are swirling around Tony Romo’s future at CBS, with uncertainty looming over his broadcasting career.
Romo was placed on leave by CBS following his arrest on July 23 for operating while intoxicated (OWI) in Wisconsin. The Athletic has pointed out that, despite being locked into a long-term contract, there’s a pathway for the network to distance itself from the seasoned broadcaster entirely.
Romo’s substantial 10-year agreement, valued at $180 million, contains a morals clause—a standard in high-profile contracts. This clause gives networks the right to reconsider their ties with talent if public scandals tarnish the brand’s image, The Athletic added.
Although Romo is poised to earn a hefty $72 million over the coming four years, his current status is “on leave” from CBS, with the network stating this situation will persist “until further notice.”
Stepping into Romo’s shoes for the time being is Texas sports icon J.J. Watt, who will join the esteemed broadcast team alongside veterans Jim Nantz and Tracy Wolfson.
While driving in Wisconsin on July 23, Romo was stopped on the road around 8 p.m. and didn’t pass sobriety tests. Romo was taken into custody, booked and released.
Romo was driving his Black Jeep, and the sheriff’s office said he had an open container of alcohol in it. Court records indicated he refused to “take test for intoxication after arrest.”
The former Cowboys quarterback is scheduled for a court hearing Sept. 21, but isn’t required to attend.
The 46-year-old also faces a total of $1,568.50 in fines.
After retiring from the NFL in 2017, Romo joined CBS as a color analyst, and has been the lead analyst for the network’s NFL coverage for nine years.
Although Romo was once considered the “golden boy” of NFL commentary, fans have grown increasingly critical of him recently due to his style and overexuberance.
Before his broadcasting career, Romo spent 12 seasons with the Cowboys, throwing for 248 touchdowns while earning four Pro Bowl nods.