Tony Romo’s run with CBS Sports has officially come to an end after months in limbo, with the network announcing it has mutually agreed to part ways with its lead NFL analyst.
“CBS Sports and Tony Romo have mutually agreed to part ways,” the network said in a statement on Friday. “We thank Tony for his contributions over the past nine years and wish him the best moving forward.”
Romo had been sidelined by the network as its lead colour commentator through the first three weeks of the NFL season after the former Dallas Cowboys star was arrested following a traffic stop on July 23.
Court records said that a police officer detected a “strong odor of an alcoholic beverage” on Romo’s breath and that he performed poorly on field sobriety tests.
The 46-year-old former quarterback was charged with operating a vehicle while intoxicated (OWI) and later pleaded no contest.
CBS placed Romo on leave before the NFL pre-season began, replacing him with J.J. Watt in the booth next to broadcasting legend Jim Nantz. Watt will continue to serve as the network’s lead analyst following Romo’s departure.
What did Romo say?
In his own statement, Romo said he would be taking a much-needed break before deciding on his next step.
“I’m proud of what I accomplished at CBS Sports over the last nine years. I approached my role as a game analyst the way I’ve approached everything in my life — with a desire to win and be the best that I can be,” Romo said. “I’m going to use this time to take a break, something I’ve never done before, and focus on my health and my family before moving on to my next opportunity.
“I am grateful for my time with CBS Sports and for the continued support of my family and friends, as well as the NFL community and fans.”
Romo played his entire 13-year NFL career with the Dallas Cowboys, making four Pro Bowl appearances and throwing for more than 34,000 yards and 248 touchdowns. He retired at 36 years old after the 2016 season due to the heavy toll injuries had taken on his body.
What did Romo say about his plea?
On the day of his no-contest plea, Romo took to social media in an attempt to clear the air and explain his personal situation.
Romo wrote that the multiple back surgeries that ended his NFL career left him with “constant, debilitating pain,” which led to a dependence on pain medication. In his efforts to get off the meds, he said it led to an “over-reliance” on alcohol.
He added that he has taught his sons to take full responsibility for their failures and make the “changes necessary to move forward,” approaching it with honesty.
“None of this is an excuse,” Romo wrote. “These are my failures and I take responsibility for them.”