Tony Romo and CBS Sports have parted ways after his offseason arrest for operating while intoxicated (OWI), the network has announced in a statement.
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"CBS Sports and Tony Romo have mutually agreed to part ways," the network said. "We thank Tony for his contributions over the past nine years and wish him the best moving forward."
This news comes on a Friday as the NFL enters its fourth weekend of the regular season. CBS Sports had sidelined Romo after his July arrest in Milwaukee and had put JJ Watt on the No. 1 team with Jim Nantz. Now, however, Watt will remain the network's top analyst while Romo takes time away from the sport.
Obviously, the former Dallas Cowboys quarterback had been under contract. The Athletic notes that he had four years and $72 million remaining on his 10-year, $180 million contract that he signed in 2020.
The outlet's sources said that Romo and CBS Sports reached a settlement before the announcement about the mutual parting of ways.
"I'm proud of what I accomplished at CBS Sports over the last nine years," Romo said in a statement. "I approached my role as a game analyst the way I've approached everything in my life — with a desire to win and be the best that I can be.
"I'm going to use this time to take a break, something I've never done before, and focus on my health and my family before moving on to my next opportunity. I am grateful for my time with CBS Sports and for the continued support of my family and friends, as well as the NFL community and fans."
Prior to the split, Romo had released a long statement on social media addressing the arrest. He had said that multiple back surgeries had ended his NFL career early and led to debilitating pain, which led to a dependence on pain medication. He then turned to alcohol while trying to get off of the medications.
Romo wrote in his statement that he accepted his failures and that he would work with a team of doctors to address his health and make necessary changes. He asked for privacy as he focused on the process and a return to the CBS Sports lineup.
