Tony Romo’s CBS Future in Limbo After Wisconsin OWI Arrest

On July 23, former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo was stopped by Milwaukee County police and arrested on suspicion of operating while intoxicated (OWI). Officers reported an open container of alcohol in his vehicle and that Romo failed field-sobriety tests. CBS Sports announced that Romo was placed on “indefinite leave until further notice.” The network later said defensive end J.J. Watt would join Jim Nantz and Tracy Wolfson in the top broadcast booth “in Tony’s absence.”

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Romo signed a ten-year, $180 million deal with CBS in 2020, which includes a morals clause that allows the network to challenge the contract if a talent can no longer represent the brand positively after a public embarrassment. Four years remain, obligating CBS to pay $72 million (about $18 million per year). Legal analysts note that invoking the clause could enable CBS to terminate the deal and avoid those remaining payments, though Romo’s representatives would likely contest such a move.

Tony Romo’s morals clause could hand CBS a $72 million escape route

The network declined to comment beyond the initial statements and offered no timeline for a decision on Romo’s status.

Is This the Beginning of the End for Tony Romo at CBS?

Industry sources told Front Office Sports that CBS could use the morals clause to negotiate an early exit, potentially saving $72 million. J.J. Watt, already serving as the temporary replacement, has received positive reviews and is viewed as a viable long-term alternative. Some analysts mention former Fox analyst Greg Olsen as another possible external replacement should CBS decide to part ways with Romo.

Tony Romo’s morals clause could hand CBS a $72 million escape route

Romo faces a court hearing scheduled for later in September and a fine of $1,568.50 for the OWI citation. The arrest footage, released by media outlets, shows the open container and failed sobriety tests, adding pressure on CBS to address the situation.

New York Post

• Contract: 10 years, $180 million total; $72 million remaining.

Tony Romo’s morals clause could hand CBS a $72 million escape route

• Annual salary: $18 million.

Where does Tony Romo land if he loses No. 1 CBS job?

• OWI fine: $1,568.50.

New York Post

• Court hearing: set for later September (date not disclosed).

Tony Romo’s morals clause could hand CBS a $72 million escape route

Romo’s legal case will proceed at the September hearing, after which CBS must decide whether to reinstate him, reassign him, or invoke the morals clause to terminate the contract. No public timetable has been provided for that decision.

Tony Romo’s morals clause could hand CBS a $72 million escape route

• “There was a moment in time that Tony Romo had tremendous leverage over CBS,” — Colin Cowherd

Is This the Beginning of the End for Tony Romo at CBS?

• “This decision was made within 0.2 seconds of this incident happening. They were clearly looking for an out. Romo let him through the door,” — Dave Portnoy

Is This the Beginning of the End for Tony Romo at CBS?