Tony Romo Pleads No Contest to Wisconsin Operating While Intoxicated Charge: "This is an Important First Step."

Updated on: September 1, 2026 / 6:36 PM CDT / CBS Texas

Tony Romo Pleads No Contest to Wisconsin Operating While Intoxicated Charge: "This is an Important First Step."

TL;DR

  • Tony Romo pleaded no contest to operating a vehicle while intoxicated (OWI) in Wisconsin.
  • He stated he is taking responsibility for the incident and focusing on his return to CBS Sports.
  • Romo cited reliance on pain medication after back surgeries as a precursor to alcohol use.
  • Penalties include a six-month driving privilege suspension, an alcohol assessment program, and an ignition interlock device for at least a year after regaining his license.
  • Romo owes $834 in forfeiture.
  • He was pulled over on July 27 near Milwaukee and failed field sobriety tests.
  • Additional charges for unsafe passing, possessing open intoxicants, and OWI were filed recently.
  • His return timeline to CBS Sports is not yet clear, with the network president citing the need to assess the situation and protect the brand.
  • JJ Watt has been filling in for Romo on CBS Sports' lead NFL team.