Tony Romo pleads no contest to OWI, reveals alcohol struggle

Former Dallas Cowboys quarterback and CBS Sports analyst Tony Romo pleaded no contest to a charge of operating while intoxicated on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, resolving a legal case stemming from his July arrest in Milwaukee. In a public statement, Romo accepted full responsibility for the incident and revealed a personal struggle with pain medication and alcohol that followed his NFL career. Court records show Romo entered the no-contest plea to a civil OWI offense in a Milwaukee County courtroom. The court revoked his driving privileges for six months, ordered him to complete an alcohol assessment program, and imposed a fine of $834, which must be paid by November 2, 2026. An ignition interlock device must also be installed on any vehicle he owns or operates for at least one year after his license is reinstated. Three other citations related to the arrest, including unsafe passing and possession of open intoxicants, were dismissed as part of the agreement. The legal resolution followed Romo's arrest on July 23, 2026, near the Marquette Interchange in downtown Milwaukee. According to a sheriff's office report, deputies pulled over Romo's Jeep after observing an unsafe pass.