Former Dallas Cowboys quarterback and current CBS Sports analyst Tony Romo was cited for first-offense operating while intoxicated (OWI) and refusing a chemical test following a traffic stop in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on July 23.
Deputies pulled over Romo's vehicle shortly after 6 p. m.
on Interstate 43 at the Marquette interchange.
The stop was initiated for unsafe passing on the right and cutting across a marked gore area, according to police records and bodycam footage.
Body camera footage shows the officer approaching the vehicle, with both parties struggling to hear each other over highway noise.
During initial questioning, Romo asked, "Because I'm coming from a golf course, you think I'm drunk?"
Romo told the deputy he was returning from a United States Golf Association tournament and heading to meet his grandparents, stating he had consumed "zero" alcoholic beverages.
When asked to perform field sobriety tests, Romo requested to contact legal counsel, saying, "I've heard from all the lawyers don't ever do that."
The deputy noted that Romo had red, glassy eyes and an odor of alcohol.
After being handcuffed and moved to a level area at the jail sally port, Romo attempted the tests while mentioning past physical conditions.
Deputies said he performed poorly on the standardized field sobriety tests.
When asked about recent concussions, Romo replied, "Over the years, yes, but not recently."
He repeatedly declined a preliminary breath test and asked for legal representation, saying, "Oh no. We're not doing that."
Deputies informed him a search warrant would be obtained for an evidentiary blood draw.
A first-offense OWI in Wisconsin is classified as a civil infraction, not a criminal charge, carrying traffic citations.
Following the incident, Romo withdrew from the 56th M&P Group Texas State Open golf tournament in Tyler, Texas.
A spokesperson for Cascades Country Club confirmed the withdrawal and cancellation of a scheduled Q&A session, stating, "Although we’re disappointed he won’t be joining us, we’re still looking forward to an exciting week of competitive golf."
Uncertainty surrounds Romo's short-term media appearances, but sources indicate his long-term position with CBS Sports is unchanged.
An unnamed source told the Daily Mail, "He might step back a little, short term, but he isn’t going anywhere long term."
Romo reportedly contacted network management shortly after the incident. Another source said, "He contacted his bosses almost immediately to let them know what had happened...
He’s already canceled his appearance at the golf tournament...
and over the next few weeks he’s looking to keep a low profile while focusing on getting himself ready for the upcoming season."
Romo is scheduled to appear in court on Sept. 21 regarding the citations.
