Former Dallas Cowboys quarterback and current CBS color commentator Tony Romo had a day that went from the fairway to the highway—and not in a good way. Romo was arrested Thursday evening in Milwaukee on charges of operating while under the influence (OWI), just hours after wrapping up a round at the Wisconsin Amateur Championship.
According to FOX 6 Milwaukee, the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office pulled Romo over while he was driving south on I-43. The former Pro Bowler reportedly performed poorly on standardized field sobriety tests and was taken into custody at around 6:15 p.m. local time.
Romo was booked for OWI, which in Wisconsin is not a criminal charge but a civil offense. He faces a fine of $150 to $300, plus a possible $435 OWI surcharge. His court date is set for Sept. 21.
So what was the NFL legend doing before his arrest? He was competing in the Wisconsin Amateur Championship in West Bend, a golf tournament that attracts top amateurs from across the state. Romo, an accomplished golfer who has played in several professional events, had a tough week on the course. He finished in a tie for 73rd place, a far cry from the kind of performance he's used to delivering—whether on the gridiron or the green.
The arrest raises questions about Romo's future with CBS, where he has served as the network's lead NFL analyst since 2017 alongside Jim Nantz. The Athletic reports that CBS has declined to comment on the incident. However, as of now, Romo's status for the upcoming season remains unchanged. He is expected to be in the booth for Week 1, barring any sudden developments.
Romo's off-field troubles are a stark contrast to his polished on-air persona. The 45-year-old has built a reputation as one of the most insightful and energetic commentators in sports, often praised for his ability to predict plays before they happen. But this incident isn't the first time a sports figure has found themselves in legal hot water after a round of golf. Just last year, Le'Veon Bell was arrested in Ohio over a child support debt, showing that even star athletes aren't immune to off-field issues.
Romo's golf game has been a topic of interest for years. He's competed in numerous pro-ams and even attempted to qualify for the U.S. Open. But this tournament will be remembered for all the wrong reasons. It's a reminder that even the most talented athletes can have a rough day—on the course and off.
As the sports world waits for more details, one thing is clear: Romo's double life as a football analyst and golf enthusiast just took a very public detour. Whether this affects his broadcasting career remains to be seen, but for now, he'll have to navigate the legal system just like any other citizen.
