Exiled by CBS after a controversial DUI, Tony Romo faces a sudden career crossroads. Now, Jerry Jones must decide if the Cowboys should rescue their fallen star.
FRISCO - Welcome to America: Land of the free, home of the brave, and fertile ground for second chances.
Unless, that is, you’re Tony Romo.
In this country we love nothing more than a story of forgiveness and redemption. High-profile arrests became merely springboards for the inspirational comebacks of Mike Tyson, Martha Stewart, Tiger Woods, Britney Spears and Snoop Dogg. Tyson went to prison for rape. Snoop was charged with murder. Tiger was handcuffed for DUI, twice.
They all rose from the dead, some even to the level of being pitch men and the face of successful companies or TV networks.
We’re experts at excusing oopsies.
How is it then that Romo - for a simple (albeit concerning) drunk driving incident that didn’t even rise to the level of misdemeanor - wasn’t given the chance to rally his career at CBS?
Instead, the former Dallas Cowboys’ Pro Bowl quarterback was fired on Friday. Well, officially, the two parties "mutually parted ways.'' Romo - who was making $20 million per year - seemingly got a big check to go away.
There must be something going on behind the scenes, because this one doesn’t pass the smell test. In fact, it stinks.
Maybe Romo needs to get himself healthy; the "over-reliance'' (his phrase) on pain medication and alcohol is troublesome.
And maybe Cowboys owner Jerry Jones will rescue his all-time favorite player and hire him to do ... something ... though as our Mike Fisher points out, Romo is taking the blame for his mistake and insisting he needs to step away from work for his aforementioned "health'' ...
And jumping right back into a job at The Star (let's say, as a consultant) isn't exactly "stepping away.''
What happened here?
On July 23, Romo was arrested in Wisconsin for OWI (operating a vehicle while intoxicated). There was no crash. No injuries. No victims. Other than being loopy and, well, drunk, he cooperated with police on the scene. He eventually pleaded “no contest,” accepting a civil offense punishment of losing his driving privileges for six months and taking an alcohol assessment program.
Romo issued a statement apologizing for the incident, and took a leave of absence from his nine-year career as CBS TV’s No. 1 NFL analyst. But now he’s gone. Permanently out.
On one hand, actions should have consequences and it’s (regrettably) refreshing to see even a powerful celebrity held accountable. But allow me to throw the challenge flag on CBS’ decision, because last time I checked the hypocritical NFL is littered with players who have committed way more serious - even violent - crimes.
And CBS has a history of shrugging off drunk-driving arrests. Right, Shemar Moore?
In 2007, special agent “Derek Morgan” from the CBS police drama Criminal Minds was arrested for a DUI in Los Angeles. CBS and the show’s producers chose not to suspend him or write out his character, and Moore continued on the air uninterrupted.
But for Romo, it’s one and done?
For crying out loud this is slimy CBS, long-time home of chairman Les Moonves before he resigned in shame in 2018 after multiple allegations of sexual misconduct, harassment and assault.
And this is the NFL, which welcomed back Michael Vick after a prison stint for dogfighting, Adrian Peterson after reckless injury to his 4-year-old son, and Leonard Little and Donte Stallworth after literally running over and killing pedestrians while driving drunk.
You’re telling me Romo is too tarnished to call NFL games played in by Rashee Rice?
In 2024 in Dallas, the Kansas City Chiefs (and former SMU) receiver drove his rented Lamborghini 120 mph on Central Expressway and caused a six-car accident. Without bothering to check on any victims, Rice and his buddies fled the scene on foot. He was subsequently arrested, and pleaded guilty to two felonies. He paid $115,000 in medical restitution to the victims and was put on probation. He was also suspended six games by the NFL. He later spent 30 days in jail after testing positive for marijuana while on probation.
This season Rice has 13 catches for 190 yards and one touchdown. Romo, meanwhile, only has one inexplicable pink slip.
Romo will likely get another chance. But, mysteriously and incorrectly, it won’t be with CBS. And for the moment, I suppose it shouldn't be with Jerry Jones' Cowboys, either.
