​Tony Romo breaks silence on CBS status for first time since OWI arrest originally appeared on The Sporting News.
Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.Tony Romo remains on leave at CBS as the NFL regular season approaches, following a July arrest for operating a vehicle while intoxicated, but he is speaking out for the first time since his status at the network came into question.Romo released a lengthy statement on Tuesday, explaining his side of the story and the steps he has taken since his arrest.Romo’s comments also hint at his future alongside Jim Nantz at CBS, which has been up in the air since his placement on leave.Here’s a look at Romo’s full statement.MORE:See bodycam footage from Tony Romo’s arrestTony Romo breaks silence on arrestRomo said in a statement that he pleaded no contest to a civil offense for operating a vehicle while intoxicated.”Multiple back surgeries ended my career earlier than I expected and left me with constant, debilitating pain,” Romo said. “That pain led to a dependence on pain medication, and my efforts to get off those medications led to an over-reliance on alcohol.”A statement from Tony Romo pic.twitter.com/SnvWtSM3rh— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) September 1, 2026Romo called his arrest a “personal failure” and said he has spent the past month confronting his own mistakes.”I am working closely with a team of doctors to address and make the necessary changes,” Romo said.The former quarterback thanked his family and friends, as well as the NFL community, for their support since his arrest in Wisconsin on the evening of July 23.Here’s what Romo had to say about his future at CBS.MORE:Full details of Tony Romo’s arrestWill Tony Romo return to CBS?Romo didn’t make any definitive statements about his broadcasting job, but he strongly hinted that he plans to return to the booth.”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,” Romo said.Romo appears to be expecting CBS to bring him back when he is ready, but his statement indicates he isn’t planning an immediate return. With Week 1 less than two weeks away, that means J.J. Watt is in line to open the season as CBS’ No. 1 color commentator next to Jim Nantz. Nantz’s team is calling the NFC North matchup between the Packers and Vikings in Week 1. What has CBS said about a potential Tony Romo return to the network?Puck’s John Ourand reached out to CBS to get insight on whether they would welcome a potential reunion with Romo. The network’s response? No comment, according to Awful Announcing. CBS reportedly reiterated the statement it initially issued when it announced that Romo was taking indefinite leave.Based on CBS’ actions — and the fact that no one other the network’s banner has publicly offered support for the former quarterback — it seems at least plausible to believe that an exit could be forthcoming.