Los Angeles (United States) (AFP) – Former star quarterback turned NFL commentator Tony Romo on Tuesday pleaded no contest to driving while intoxicated, saying in a statement he has become over-reliant on alcohol since retirement. Romo, who played 14 seasons for the Dallas Cowboys, was pulled over by police in downtown Milwaukee last month for unsafe driving and has since been suspended from his role as a CBS Sports broadcast announcer.
“This morning, I faced a recent personal failure by pleading no contest to a civil offense for OWI in Wisconsin. I own this completely,” Romo wrote on Instagram. “Multiple back surgeries ended my career earlier than I expected and left me with constant, debilitating pain. That pain led to a dependence on pain medication, and my efforts to get off those medications led to an over-reliance on alcohol.”
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According to court documents, Romo was found guilty, banned from driving for six months, and ordered to install an ignition interlock device when he resumes driving. He must also complete an alcohol assessment program and pay an $834 fine.
Four-time Pro Bowler Romo is the Cowboys’ all-time passing touchdown leader with 248 touchdowns. He retired in 2017, having lost his starting role to current Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott after fracturing his back. “None of this is an excuse. These are my failures, and I take responsibility for them,” said Romo.
He concluded: “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. God bless.”
© 2024 AFP
