Tony Romo placed on leave from CBS Sports after arrest

Tony Romo placed on leave from CBS Sports after arrest

CBS Sports placed lead NFL analyst Tony Romo on leave on Friday, July 31, following his arrest in Wisconsin. The network confirmed the move in a statement released that day, stating, Tony Romo is on leave from his role at CBS Sports until further notice.

Romo, a former Dallas Cowboys quarterback, was arrested in Milwaukee on July 23 on suspicion of driving while impaired. According to reports, Romo told officers from the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office that he had not consumed any alcoholic beverages and was on his way to visit his grandparents after leaving a golf course.

However, bodycam footage released by the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office shows Romo failing a field sobriety test. A deputy also discovered an open alcoholic beverage container on the passenger side of the vehicle.

The arrest comes amid a period of professional decline for Romo. While he was initially praised for his analytical skills and an ability to predict plays when he joined the No. 1 NFL broadcast team alongside play-by-play announcer Jim Nantz, fans and critics have recently claimed he has become lazy. Reports indicate his analysis has grown boring or subpar, with allegations that he has not been preparing as required.

This lack of preparation reportedly led CBS Sports to stage an intervention during the 2022 offseason to force Romo to prepare more. The network later stated it was not an intervention, but rather a regular meeting with on-air talent.

The financial stakes of Romo's tenure are significant. In 2020, he signed a contract paying him $18 million a year. One report indicates he has $72 million remaining on his contract.

With Romo sidelined, former Arizona Cardinal J.J. Watt will work with Jim Nantz during preseason broadcasts. There is speculation that Watt, who is currently viewed as a strong performer among NFL analysts, could be promoted to the No. 1 broadcast team full-time.

Romo first entered the broadcasting world in 2017, one year after retiring from the Cowboys in 2016. During his playing career, he was a divisive figure, criticized by Dallas fans for his performance in big games and disliked by opposing fans for playing for the Cowboys.

While Romo is innocent until proven guilty, the network's decision to place him on leave reflects the negative optics for both the analyst and CBS Sports.

Romo is scheduled to appear in court for a hearing on Sept. 21.