Former NFL quarterback and CBS Sports commentator Tony Romo has entered a no-contest plea in a drunk driving case in his home state of Wisconsin. He also announced plans to seek medical treatment for what he described as an “over-reliance” on alcohol.
The plea follows his July arrest on suspicion of operating a vehicle while intoxicated. He was also cited for possessing an open container of alcohol in his SUV, making an unsafe right pass, and refusing a breath test upon his arrest.
Under Wisconsin law, a first-time OWI offense is classified as a civil infraction. Romo will face a six-month license suspension, the installation of ignition interlock devices on any vehicles he owns, completion of an alcohol assessment program, and a fine.
In a statement shared on his social media accounts, Romo acknowledged that his plea represents a “recent personal failure” and explained that he drank to manage chronic pain stemming from his NFL career.
“Multiple back surgeries ended my career sooner than expected and left me with constant, debilitating pain,” wrote the former Dallas Cowboys quarterback. “That pain resulted in a dependence on pain medication, and my attempts to taper off those medications led to an over-reliance on alcohol.
“As I have taught my three young sons: when you fall short, you stand up and take full responsibility. That is an important first step. The harder, more crucial step is examining the path that brought you here and making the necessary changes to move forward. That path requires honesty.
“None of this serves as an excuse. These are my failures, and I accept full responsibility for them.
CBS Sports placed Romo on leave after his arrest. In his statement, he noted that he hopes to “return to the NFL booth” eventually, but for now, “I am working closely with a team of doctors to address my health and make the necessary changes.”
During Romo’s leave, JJ Watt will serve as the lead NFL analyst for CBS, working alongside play-by-play announcer Jim Nantz and sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson.