Tony Romo is speaking out for the first time since his arrest earlier this summer.
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The former Dallas Cowboys quarterback and CBS Sports analyst said he pleaded no contest to the charge of operating a vehicle while under the influence on July 23.
Tony Romo Shared a Statement
The 46-year-old shared a statement on Instagram today, Sep. 1.
"This morning, I faced a recent personal failure by pleading no contest to a civil offense for OWI in Wisconsin. I own this completely," he wrote.
According to Romo's arrest detention report, he was taken into police custody after performing poorly on the standardized field sobriety tests. Bodycam footage made it appear that Romo refused a breathalyzer test. He was arrested and eventually released. He smiled for his mugshot.
"Multiple back surgeries ended my career earlier than I expected and left me with constant, debilitating pain. That pain led to a dependence on pain medication, and my efforts to get off those medications led to an over-reliance on alcohol."
Romo said his health issues were not an "excuse." "These are my failures, and I take responsibility for them," he wrote.
The Former QB Is Now Focusing on His Health
In the statement, Romo said that the last month "has been difficult." However, the incident forced him to "confront and own my mistakes fully—to the Lord, to myself, to my family, and now to the public."
The former QB is now "working closely with a team of doctors to address my health and make the necessary changes."
Back in 2020, Romo signed a $180 million 10-year extension with CBS. After his arrest, Romo was reportedly placed on leave by the network. JJ Watt will work with Romo's regular on-air partner, Jim Nantz, in his absence. Romo also addressed a possible return to the broadcast booth in his statement.
"As I turn my attention to my health, my family, and, in time, my return to CBS, I kindly ask for privacy during this period," he said.
Romo was issued three citations on Aug. 27 in connection with the incident: operating while intoxicated, unsafe passing on the right side, and possessing open intoxicants inside his vehicle.
You can read Romo's full statement below.
