Guilty plea and sentencing

Former Dallas Cowboys quarterback and CBS Sports lead NFL analyst Tony Romo has pleaded no contest to a charge of operating while intoxicated, resulting in a six-month revocation of his driving privileges. The plea was entered on Tuesday in a Milwaukee County court, which found him guilty, according to ESPN.

Romo was arrested on July 23 following a traffic stop in Wisconsin. According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, he received three additional citations stemming from the incident: first-offense operating while intoxicated, unsafe passing on the right side, and possessing open intoxicants in his vehicle. He had previously received a citation on July 27 for refusing to take an intoxication test after his arrest.

In addition to losing his driving privileges, Romo must complete an alcohol assessment program and pay a fine. Reports differ on the amount: com, citing ESPN, reported a fine of $784, while The Guardian cited Milwaukee County court records indicating he owes $834. An ignition interlock device must be installed on any vehicle owned, registered, or operated by Romo, and that requirement remains in effect for at least one year after he is issued a license.

Romo's statement

Romo posted a statement on Instagram on Tuesday, acknowledging his actions. "The past month has been difficult, but it has also been personally significant," he wrote. "It has required me to confront and own my mistakes fully – to the Lord, to myself, to my family and now to the public."

He attributed his conduct to the aftermath of multiple back surgeries. "Multiple back surgeries ended my career earlier than I expected and left me with constant, debilitating pain," his statement read. "That pain led to a dependence on pain medication, and my efforts to get off those medications led to an over-reliance on alcohol."

Romo added: "None of this is an excuse. These are my failures and I take responsibility for them." He said he is working with a team of doctors to address his health and make necessary changes. "As I turn my attention to my health, my family, and, in time, my return to CBS, I kindly ask for privacy," he concluded.

Arrest details

Romo was stopped while driving south on Interstate 43 in Wisconsin after competing at the Wisconsin Amateur Championship. According to The Guardian, citations indicated he performed poorly on field sobriety tests and that an open bottle was found in his Jeep. Body camera footage showed Romo telling deputies he was coming from a golf course and going to visit his grandparents. A deputy told him he had "red glassy eyes" and an "odor of an intoxicating alcoholic beverage," The Guardian reported.

Career context

Romo, 46, played in the NFL from 2003 to 2016, all with the Dallas Cowboys. He made four Pro Bowl appearances and earned All-Pro honors in 2014. He appeared in 150 games, throwing for 34,183 yards and 248 touchdowns. He began his broadcasting career with CBS Sports in 2017 as the lead game analyst.

Following the arrest, CBS placed Romo on leave. Analyst JJ Watt will join play-by-play announcer Jim Nantz and sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson during Romo's absence. CBS Sports president David Berson said last month that he does not have a timeline for a decision about Romo's future with the network.