Tony Romo OWI Plea
Former NFL quarterback Tony Romo pleads no contest to an OWI charge in Wisconsin.
Anonymous
Key Points
1
Fine amount clarified: Milwaukee County court records specify a $784 fine for Romo's civil OWI plea, rather than just a broad cash-range in reporting.
2
Arrest specifics: The July 23 Milwaukee stop on I-43 involved a strong odor of alcohol, an open bottle found in the vehicle, poor field sobriety test results, and a refusal to take the sobriety test.
3
Ignition interlock device duration: In addition to the interlock requirement on any vehicle Romo owns or operates, the order will remain in place for at least one year after his license is issued.
4
Wisconsin OWI classification: First-offense OWI in Wisconsin is treated as a civil offense, a classification that shapes how Romo's case is processed and penalized.
Former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo pleaded no contest to a civil operating-while-intoxicated offense in Wisconsin following his July 23 arrest in Milwaukee. NBC26 reports that Romo's driving privileges have been revoked for six months, and he must install an ignition interlock device on any vehicle he owns for at least one year. Court records show a $784 fine and citations for first-offense OWI, possessing open intoxicants in a vehicle, and unsafe passing on the right.
Romo attributed the incident to chronic back pain from multiple surgeries and an over-reliance on alcohol that developed while managing pain medication dependence. SF Gate reports his statement: "Multiple back surgeries ended my career earlier than I expected and left me with constant, debilitating pain. That pain led to a dependence on pain medication, and my efforts to get off those medications led to an over-reliance on alcohol." CBS Sports placed him on indefinite leave, with J.J. Watt stepping in as interim lead NFL analyst.
The Milwaukee Arrest and Police Response
On July 23, deputies pulled Romo over while he drove south on Interstate 43 near downtown Milwaukee after observing unsafe passing in a gore area. News Nation Now reports that at the scene, officers noted a strong odor of alcohol, red glassy eyes, and an open bottle inside his Jeep. Romo failed field sobriety tests and refused a breathalyzer test. Police records indicate his blood alcohol concentration was .15—nearly double Wisconsin's legal limit of .08.
Wisconsin's Civil Offense Framework and Court Penalties
In Wisconsin, first-offense OWI is treated as a civil forfeiture violation rather than a criminal misdemeanor, avoiding jail time but imposing strict penalties. Romo's six-month license suspension includes a mandatory alcohol assessment program and a court-ordered ignition interlock device. Freedom 96.9 notes that the ignition interlock must remain installed for a minimum of one year after his license is reinstated, ensuring any vehicle he drives requires a breath test before starting.
CBS Puts Romo on Indefinite Leave, J.J. Watt Steps In
Following the arrest, CBS Sports placed Romo on leave "until further notice" and named former NFL defensive star J.J. Watt as interim lead analyst. ModBee reports that Watt will work alongside play-by-play caller Jim Nantz and sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson on top-tier NFL broadcasts. Romo has given no firm timeline for his return, stating he is focused on medical treatment and addressing his health with doctors while respecting his family's privacy.
Romo Takes Full Responsibility and Signals Possible Return
In his statement, Romo framed the incident as a "personal failure" and emphasized accountability. He told followers: "I own this completely." SF Gate reports that Romo is working with a dedicated medical team to treat chronic pain and break his reliance on alcohol. While he expressed hope for a broadcast return, CBS has not announced a timeline, leaving his $18 million annual contract status uncertain as the upcoming NFL season approaches.
Sentiment
Mostly NegativeNEGATIVENEUTRALPOSITIVE
Publishers
27
Articles
375
Reach
402
A
AnonymousAuthor
