Less than a week after an unnamed spokesperson issued a statement on behalf of former Cowboys quarterback and CBS broadcaster Tony Romo, Romo has addressed his July arrest for operating while intoxicated directly.
On Tuesday, Romo posted a statement on Instagram. In the message, he discloses that he has pleaded no contest. He also explains that pain medication from multiple back surgeries created an “over-reliance” on alcohol.
Romo also vows to return to CBS, “in time.” It’s unknown wheter CBS is on board with that part of the plan; the network placed him on leave eight days after the incident, and it has promoted J.J. Watt into Romo’s spot on the top NFL broadcast team.
Here’s the full text of Romo’s statement:
“Football has shaped nearly every meaningful part of my life. I played for more than 20 years, including 14 in the NFL with the Dallas Cowboys. After my retirement, CBS gave me the profound honor of staying close to the game through broadcasting.
“Playing taught me the power of relationships, the strength of a team, and the toughness to face failure head-on with honesty, resilience, and the determination to do better.
“This is one of those moments when I am leaning on everything football taught me.
“This morning, I faced a recent personal failure by pleading no contest to a civil offense for OWl in Wisconsin. I own this completely.
“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.
“As I have taught my three young sons: when you fall short, you stand up and take full responsibility. This is an important first step. The harder and more important step is examining the path that brought you here and making the changes necessary to move forward.
“That path requires honesty.
“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. It has required me to confront and own my mistakes fully — to the Lord, to myself, to my family, and now to the public.
“I am working closely with a team of doctors to address my health and make the necessary changes. I am deeply grateful for the support of my family, my friends, and the NFL community including players, coaches, and owners. 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.”
We wish Romo the best as he addresses the issues that led to the OWI charge. And we applaud him for speaking on the issue directly, and not through an unnamed P.R. firm. Owning the situation is perhaps the biggest step toward resolving it.
Whether Romo’s candor resolves the situation with CBS to his satisfaction hinges entirely on CBS.
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