Tony Romo, the former Dallas Cowboys quarterback who now serves as a lead NFL analyst for CBS, faces a growing list of charges and citations following his arrest on suspicion of operating while intoxicated in Wisconsin on July 23. New details released this week reveal that police discovered an open bottle of alcohol in his vehicle during the incident, adding another layer to what has become an expanding legal situation.
Romo, 46, was pulled over near the Marquette Interchange in downtown Milwaukee on Interstate 43 during rush hour traffic. According to law enforcement, the traffic stop occurred around 5:30 p.m., just hours after he completed his final round at the Wisconsin Amateur Championship. A deputy initiated the stop for unsafe passing on the right and cutting across a gore, the marked area separating highway lanes.
During the initial roadside encounter, the deputy observed what she described as red, glassy eyes and detected an odor of an intoxicating alcoholic beverage on Romo’s breath. The officer asked him to perform field sobriety tests, which Romo initially resisted, repeatedly asking to speak with his attorney. He eventually complied and was transported to a nearby police station for further testing.
Body camera footage released Tuesday showed Romo telling the deputy he was coming from a golf course and claimed he had consumed “zero” drinks before getting behind the wheel. When asked where he was headed, he said he was on his way to visit his grandparents. Despite his denials, Romo performed poorly on multiple standardized field sobriety tests conducted at the station.
The arrest has since generated multiple citations. The Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office released copies of the citations to media outlets, revealing the extent of the charges Romo is facing. One citation alleges that during an inventory of his black 2020 Jeep as the vehicle was being prepared for towing, deputies discovered an open bottle of an alcoholic beverage on the passenger side. That discovery led to a citation for possession of open intoxicants in a motor vehicle, carrying a $267 fine.
A second citation pertains to the initial traffic stop itself, citing unsafe passing on the right during rush hour traffic. The third and most serious citation charges Romo with operating while under the influence, which carries a $1,066 fine.
Adding to the complications, Romo refused to submit to a breathalyzer test at the police station, telling the officer, “I’ve heard from all the lawyers don’t ever do that.” Court records indicate he was subsequently cited for refusing to take a test for intoxication after arrest. Under Wisconsin law, this refusal could result in automatic suspension of his driver’s license for one year.
The violations have stacked up significantly. In total, Romo faces multiple citations with combined fines potentially exceeding $1,500. He is scheduled to appear in court on September 21, which would be the second Monday of the NFL season—potentially complicating his broadcasting schedule, as he typically works on Sundays.
Meanwhile, CBS has reportedly decided to retain Romo in his role as lead NFL analyst, at least for now. Sources told media outlets that the network does not plan to fire him over the arrest. “He might step back a little, short term, but he isn’t going anywhere long term,” one source said. A CBS executive told reporters that while the situation is serious, it is unlikely to result in termination. The source also indicated that Romo immediately informed CBS executives about the arrest.
The incident came at the end of a disappointing golf outing for Romo, who finished tied for 73rd place at the Wisconsin Amateur Championship, finishing 35-over par. He had competed in the tournament, where he is an annual participant, before the arrest occurred that same evening.
Romo retired from the NFL in 2017 after spending his entire 13-year career with the Dallas Cowboys, during which he made four Pro Bowl selections. He joined CBS Sports in 2017 as a color commentator alongside play-by-play announcer Jim Nantz. Romo has not publicly commented on his arrest.