Traffic Stop and Initial Interactions
Newly released police body camera footage provides a detailed look at the July 23, 2026, arrest of former Dallas Cowboys quarterback and current CBS Sports analyst Tony Romo. Romo was pulled over by authorities while driving southbound on I-43 near downtown Milwaukee around 6:00 p.m. According to the official arrest affidavit, officers initiated the stop after observing the vehicle weaving within its lane and crossing the center line.
During the initial interaction, Romo informed the responding officer that he was traveling to meet his grandparents after attending the Wisconsin Amateur Championship golf tournament. When questioned about his alcohol consumption, Romo initially claimed to have had “zero” drinks. However, the affidavit notes that officers observed signs of impairment, including bloodshot, glassy eyes, and the distinct smell of intoxicants. Officers also reported finding unopened mini-bottles of alcohol inside his bag.
Field Sobriety Testing and Refusal
The bodycam footage captures Romo exiting his Jeep and undergoing a series of standardized field sobriety tests. According to law enforcement, Romo performed poorly on these evaluations, exhibiting difficulty with balance and failing to correctly follow instructions for a heel-to-toe walking exercise. Throughout the process, Romo questioned the necessity of the tests, at one point asking the officer, “Because I’m coming from a golf course you think I’m drunk?”
When the situation escalated, Romo requested to call his lawyer, a request the officer denied before instructing him to step out of the vehicle. Romo ultimately refused to submit to both a preliminary breath test and a blood test, citing legal advice. A warrant for a blood sample and chemical analysis was subsequently obtained, though the results remain pending. Romo was taken into custody, booked at the Milwaukee County Jail, and released later that evening around 11:00 p.m.
Legal Stakes and Professional Context
Romo currently faces charges for a first-offense operating while intoxicated (OWI) and refusal to submit to testing. His next scheduled appearance in court is set for September 21, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. As with any criminal proceeding, Romo is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Neither Romo nor his representatives have issued a public statement regarding the footage or the ongoing legal proceedings. CBS Sports, where Romo serves as a lead NFL analyst, has declined to comment on the matter.