Former Dallas Cowboys quarterback and CBS Sports broadcaster Tony Romo pleaded no contest Tuesday to an OWI civil offense in Wisconsin, saying chronic pain from multiple back surgeries led to his dependence on pain medication and eventual over-reliance on alcohol.
Romo released a statement following the plea, saying his football career ended earlier than he expected after multiple back surgeries left him 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” Romo wrote
“I own this completely,” he added. “None of this is an excuse. These are my failures, and I take responsibility for them.”
“The past month has been difficult, but it has also been personally significant,” Romo said. “It has required me to confront and own my mistakes fully—to the Lord, to myself, to my family, and now to the public.”
Romo said he is working with a team of doctors to address his health. His driving privileges have been revoked for six months, he must complete an alcohol assessment program, and an ignition interlock device will be installed on his vehicle, according to court records reviewed by TMZ.
Romo also thanked his family, friends and members of the NFL community for their support saying, “your encouragement has meant more to me than you know.”
“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,” he added.
Romo, 46, retired from the NFL in 2017 after 14 seasons with the Cowboys and joined CBS Sports as its lead NFL analyst.
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