CBS Places Tony Romo on Leave After Milwaukee Arrest

Tony Romo was placed on leave by CBS Sports “until further notice” after being arrested on suspicion of operating a vehicle while intoxicated in Milwaukee. An arrest report obtained by *The Athletic* states that Romo performed poorly on standardized field-sobriety tests following a stop for unsafe passing on July 23 and was found with an open bottle of alcohol in his car. A court hearing is scheduled for later in September, though he is not required to appear.

New York Times

CBS signed Romo to a 10-year, $180 million contract in 2020, a deal that includes $72 million payable over the next four years. The contract was originally justified by the network’s desire to outbid ESPN for top NFL talent. Since joining the booth alongside Jim Nantz, Romo’s on-air performance has drawn criticism, with commentators noting occasional unprepared remarks and a perceived decline from earlier comparisons to legendary broadcasters Pat Summerall and John Madden.

New York Times

CBS issued a statement confirming Romo’s leave and announced that former NFL defensive end J.J. Watt will join Jim Nantz and Tracy Wolfson on the lead NFL broadcast team. Watt, 37, transitioned to broadcasting after retiring from playing in 2022 and previously served as a studio analyst and a member of the network’s No. 2 team.

New York Times

The network’s contracts contain a morals clause that allows it to challenge compensation if a talent’s conduct harms the brand. Romo’s arrest and the ensuing public scrutiny raise questions about how CBS will enforce that clause and whether the $72 million remaining on his contract will be paid in full. CBS must also consider the impact on its NFL coverage schedule, as the 2026 season’s opening games and the league’s marquee matchups were slated to feature Romo’s commentary. The situation underscores the financial risk of long-term, high-value talent deals in sports media.

New York Times