Tony Romo Accepts Full Blame For Milwaukee DUI, Promises Redemption

Tony Romo, the former Dallas Cowboys quarterback who now hosts NFL coverage for CBS Sports, has publicly accepted responsibility for an alleged driving while intoxicated (OWI) arrest in Milwaukee on July 23. The incident followed a month‑long pause when CBS placed him “on leave” after the arrest.

His representatives confirmed that Romo is “accepts full responsibility for his actions and has taken proactive steps to ensure that this isolated civil matter is properly resolved,” adding, “We are working with local authorities to bring this matter to a close.” They also said they are “communicating with CBS about next steps.”

No comment has yet been received from Romo’s attorney or CBS Sports representatives.

## Background & Context

Romo, now 46, joined CBS Sports after retiring from the NFL in 2017 and quickly became the network’s lead game analyst. The organization moved him to leave status following his July arrest, a move that mirrors how other broadcasters have handled similar incidents.

In Wisconsin, a first‑offense OWI charge is typically treated as a civil offense, carrying a fine ranging from $150 to $300.

On July 23, a Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office deputy pulled Romo over for “unsafe passing” while he was driving southbound I‑43 on the high‑rise bridge. The deputy described Romo as “confused by the traffic stop” and said he claimed to be heading to his grandparents’ house after a day at a golf course.

The deputy further explained that Romo was under investigation for OWI “based on [his] driving and where [he was] coming from” as well as his “red, glassy eyes and the odor of an intoxicating alcoholic beverage on [his] breath.” Despite Romo’s insistence that he had “zero” alcoholic beverages, the deputy found “a few shooters” in his backpack and an “open bottle of an alcoholic beverage” on the passenger side of his car.

## What Happened

After being taken to the station, Romo struggled through a field sobriety test. Body‑cam footage shows him stretching on a patrol vehicle before admitting he did not understand the instructions, saying, “There’s too many.” He declined a breathalyzer, responding, “Oh, no, we’re not doing that.

I already heard from all the lawyers don’t ever do that.” When asked again, he added, “Like I said, I want my lawyer — for the eighth time.”

Deputies then informed Romo that a judge would need to sign a warrant for a blood draw to determine what, if anything, was in his system and how much. The arrest also triggered Wisconsin’s notice to revoke his driver’s license, although Romo has requested a refusal hearing.

## What Happens Next

Romo was booked and released shortly after the arrest. He is scheduled for an intake hearing on September 21, where the court will decide whether to proceed with the OWI charge and the associated civil penalties.

If the notice to revoke his license is upheld, Romo could face a suspension of driving privileges pending the outcome of his refusal hearing.

While CBS Sports has yet to release an official statement, Romo’s rep has said they are still in talks with the network about his future role. No other parties have commented on the matter as of this writing.

In the wake of the incident, Romo has publicly accepted responsibility and indicated a willingness to resolve the matter swiftly, hoping to return to broadcasting duties once the legal process concludes.