Former Dallas Cowboys QB Tony Romo was reportedly pulled over by a police deputy in Milwaukee on Thursday, July 23, "on suspicion of impaired driving," per NBCDFW 5. Bodycam footage of the incident has now been released. It depicts Romo being stopped on the side of an elevated highway. Then it shows him at what seems to be a police station garage. There, Romo is asked to perform some field sobriety tests.
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A San Diego native, the 46-year-old Romo said he was coming from a golf course and was headed to see his grandparents. Although the deputy who stopped him allegedly found some "shooters" (miniature bottles) on him, Romo claimed he had had "zero" drinks.
How the Traffic Stop Went
Tony Romo was stopped at the side of the road by a deputy named R. Saur. He is driving an SUV. The two seem to have some difficulty hearing each other. The deputy explains that she stopped him for "unsafe passing on the right" and also because he allegedly drove through a marked area.
She requests repeatedly that Tony Romo exit his vehicle. He appears startled and puzzled that he was halted by the deputy. Romo says he wants to contact his attorney when Saur asks him to take field sobriety tests. Finally, however, Romo does get out of his vehicle. He says, "Because I'm coming from a golf course, you think I'm drunk?"
The deputy places Tony Romo in handcuffs. She tells him that she is dong so for "possible OWI" according to the outlet.
Romo Was Asked To Take Field Sobriety Tests
At the police station garage, Tony Romo is asked to take those sobriety tests. The deputy questions him about any concussions he's had lately or head injuries. Romo replies, " Over the years, yes, but not recently."
He has to be told repeatedly by the deputy what the instructions for completing each of the tests are. One test involves following something with his eyes. Another consists of placing one foot directly in front of the other in a straight line and counting the steps he makes.
The deputy asks Tony Romo if he would take a preliminary breath test. He answers, "Oh no, we're not doing that. I've heard from multiple lawyers. Don't ever do that. So we're not going to do that."
He also asks, "Did I pass this test?" Romo is then informed that he is being placed under arrest. He was subsequently released.
Per the Dallas Morning News, Romo got a citation on Monday, July 27, for declining to take the breath test. According to NBCDFW 5, "Romo was booked on one count of allegedly operating while intoxicated...." Per the outlet, a first-time OWI is a "civil infraction" in Wisconsin.
He is reportedly scheduled to be in court in Milwaukee on September 21.
