Former NFL quarterback and CBS broadcaster Tony Romo will need to keep himself in check if he wants to avoid spending time behind bars.
Romo was arrested on July 23 for operating a vehicle while intoxicated and possessing open intoxicants. Earlier this week, a Wisconsin court revoked his driving privileges for the next sixth months as part of his plea deal. He’s also been ordered to have an ignition interlock device installed in any vehicle registered under his name.
“He has also been ordered to complete the Alcohol Assessment Program, and pay $784 for court costs and a $50 fine. Romo can lose his license for up to 1 year if he fails to pay the amount,” Page Six reported. “The unsafe passing on right and possession of open intoxicants charges have been dismissed.”
According to the California Post, the plea deal that Romo agreed to includes a mandatory jail sentence provision if he’s found guilty of another OWI-related offense in the next 10 years.
“A provision of the plea deal that Romo accepted from prosecutors to close out his OWI case in Wisconsin earlier this week stated that another drinking-and-driving conviction in the next 10 years will require ‘a Mandatory Jail Sentence’ or the ex-Dallas Cowboys quarterback, the documents stated,” the California Post reported.
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What’s next for Tony Romo?
It’s unclear if Romo will return to CBS at any point this NFL season. He did, however, release a statement this week regarding his off-field situation.
“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. As I have taught my three young sons: when you fall short, you stand up and take full responsibility. That is an important first step. The harder and more important step is examining the path that brought you here and making the changes necessary to move forward. That path requires honesty,” Romo wrote.
“None of this is an excuse. These are my failures, and I take responsibility for them. The past month has been difficult, but it has also been personally significant. It has required me to confront and own my mistakes fully – to the Lord, to myself, to my family, and now to the public. I am working closely with a team of doctors to address my health and make the necessary changes. I am deeply grateful for the support of my family, my friends, and the NFL community including players, coaches, and owners. Your encouragement has meant more to me than you know. As I turn my attention to my health, my family and, in time, my return to CBS, I kindly ask for privacy during this period.”
CBS has already announced that J.J. Watt will take Romo’s place on the No. 1 crew, so he’ll get to work with Jim Nantz and Tracy Wolfson.
