CBS Sports NFL commentator and former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo has reportedly been placed on leave by CBS from his football commentator role. That comes mere days after his arrest in Milwaukee on Thursdau, July 23, on suspicion of driving under the influence.
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Romo, 46, also allegedly declined to take a breathalyzer test at the time. He allegedly had an open container of alcohol in his vehicle at the time, according to the Associated Press. He also allegedly was passing other vehicles in a gore zone. Romo was reportedly given three citations by the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office.
Per Variety, Romo is "on leave until further notice."
Tony Romo has a scheduled court date on September 21.
The NFL Season Is on the Brink of Starting
This decisive to bench the ex-QB by the network is significant. Given Tony Romo's stature as "an instrumental part of the company's roster of sports talent," according to Variety, there may be a ripple effect. For now, though, as the outlet points out, "The NFL's 2026-2027 season starts on Sept. 9. On CBS' telecasts, JJ Watt and Tracy Wolfson will join Romo's regular on-air partner, Jim Nantz, during Romo's absence." How long Romo will be away from his job at the mic is anyone's guess.
Jim Rikhoff, a football producer for CBS, gave Romo some help initially, per Variety. That was so he could perform effectively in the broadcast booth. Rikhoff liked what he saw. He told the outlet seven years ago, "He's experienced and talks about the games in ways that most people understand. It really feels authentic. I try to stay out of his way and give him as much leeway as I can."
What Happened When Romo Was Stopped in Milwaukee on July 23
Bodycam video of the stop of Romo's vehicle by a deputy last week has since been made public. He is also shown taking some field sobriety tests.
Romo seems perplexed at first as to why he was pulled over. The deputy, whose name is R. Kaur, explains to him why he was stopped and asks him to get out of the vehicle repeatedly. Finally, he does as she requested.
He is then brought to what appears to be a police station garage. There, Romo is asked to take the field sobriety tests. He was asked to follow an object with his eyes as it is moved in front of his face. He also was requested to place one foot right in front of the other and take and count his steps. The instructions he is given had to be repeated many times.
