CBS Sports announced Friday that veteran analyst and former NFL quarterback Tony Romo is on leave following his arrest last week in Milwaukee on suspicion of operating while intoxicated.
Immediate fallout and network statement
The network’s brief statement confirmed Romo was removed from his broadcasting duties "until further notice," but it did not specify whether the decision was made by Romo or by CBS Sports. A representative for Romo could not be reached for comment Friday.
"Tony Romo is on leave from his role at CBS Sports until further notice," CBS Sports said in a statement.
Romo is a central figure on CBS’ top NFL broadcast team, joining play-by-play voice Jim Nantz and sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson. His status with the network will affect scheduling and talent assignments as the league’s regular season approaches.
Details of the traffic stop and booking
According to Milwaukee County Sheriff’s records, Romo was stopped on July 23 on southbound Interstate 43 at about 6:18 p.m. CT. Officials say he performed poorly on standardized field sobriety tests and was booked on one count of allegedly operating while intoxicated before being released.
Body-worn camera footage from the stop, referenced in law enforcement records, shows Romo was slow to follow the deputy’s instructions and repeatedly asked the officer to repeat questions and to allow him to call his lawyer before complying with certain requests. When asked to take a breath test, Romo declined.
"There were a few ‘shooters’ in there that I observed," the deputy said, using the slang term for small containers of alcohol.
During the encounter, Romo appeared to respond with some levity when asked about head injuries, noting he had suffered them over the years but not recently. The records show he declined the breath test and was subsequently released pending his court date.
Legal timeline and broadcasting calendar
Romo has been ordered to appear in court on Sept. 21. That date falls the Monday after the NFL’s Week 2 games, a period in the season when CBS typically has high-profile assignments. The network’s most prominent Week 2 matchup this season is expected to be the Pittsburgh Steelers visiting the AFC champion New England Patriots on Sept. 20.
| Key date | Event |
|---|---|
| July 23 | Traffic stop on I-43; Romo arrested on suspicion of operating while intoxicated |
| Sept. 20 | Week 2: CBS expected to broadcast Steelers at Patriots |
| Sept. 21 | Romo ordered to appear in court |
Wider implications
Romo’s placement on leave comes at a sensitive moment for NFL broadcasters as networks finalize game assignments and promotional plans for the upcoming season. As part of CBS’ premier team, Romo’s absence would require the network to reassign analysts for marquee games, and possibly reshuffle studio and game-day talent to maintain continuity.
Beyond scheduling, incidents involving high-profile broadcasters invite scrutiny from league offices, network advertisers and audiences. CBS has not outlined the length of the leave or whether it will conduct an internal review. Romo’s court date will likely shape next steps for both his legal situation and his role with CBS.
- Arrest date: July 23, 2026
- Court appearance: Sept. 21, 2026
- Network action: Placed on leave "until further notice"
The coming weeks will determine whether the leave becomes a longer-term suspension or a temporary removal while the legal process unfolds. For now, CBS has acknowledged the incident and taken the immediate step of sidelining one of its most visible voices in NFL coverage.
