RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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Tony Romo's absence from CBS Sports no longer has anything resembling a return date. As the network prepares its NFL coverage without its longtime lead analyst, CBS Sports president David Berson says there is still "no timetable or final decision" regarding Romo's future.
Berson addressed the situation at CBS Sports' annual NFL Media Day in Manhattan, describing it as an "evolving situation" that the network is still assessing. According to Entertainment Weekly , he said CBS also has to consider how its decision affects its programming, image and brand.
Romo has been away from his broadcasting role since his July arrest in Wisconsin on suspicion of operating a vehicle while under the influence. CBS announced on July 31st that he would be on leave until further notice, and the network has since organized its lead NFL team around JJ Watt during his absence.
Watt will work with Jim Nantz and sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson, while Romo awaits further developments in both his legal case and CBS' assessment of his future with the network.
CBS Says Romo’s Future Is Still an ‘Evolving Situation’
"It's an evolving situation, and therefore we're still assessing," Berson said at the network event. "There is no timetable or final decision at this time."
He explained that CBS wanted its production, marketing and on-air teams to have certainty and direction as they prepare for the season, even though the network itself has not reached a final decision on Romo.
The CBS Sports president also made clear that reputation is part of the calculation. As The Associated Press reported , Berson said CBS had to consider the impact on its image and brand, with the focus of its NFL coverage remaining on the games and the network's presentation rather than Romo's legal situation.
There is also a significant contract still in place. Entertainment Weekly, citing The Athletic, reported that Romo signed a 10-year, $180 million deal with CBS in 2020 and still has four years and approximately $72 million remaining on the agreement. Reuters also reported those contract figures.
JJ Watt Has the Lead Booth During Romo’s Absence
CBS has moved the three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year onto its No. 1 NFL team alongside Nantz and Wolfson during Romo's absence, giving the network an established lead crew while it decides what comes next.
The trio's first regular-season game together is scheduled for September 13th, when the Minnesota Vikings host the Green Bay Packers.
Watt joined CBS in 2023 and spent two seasons as an analyst on The NFL Today . He moved into the booth last season as part of the network's No. 2 team alongside Ian Eagle before being elevated to the Nantz crew following Romo's leave.
The reshuffle also affects the network's No. 2 booth. Ross Tucker has been moved into Watt's former position alongside Eagle. Tucker has previously worked with Eagle on Westwood One radio broadcasts.
Romo’s Court Date Comes After Watt’s First Game
Romo was arrested on July 23rd after being stopped while driving south on Interstate 43 in Wisconsin. According to the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office, he performed poorly on field sobriety tests before being taken into custody, booked and later released.
Citations released by authorities also indicated that an open bottle of an alcoholic beverage was found on the passenger side of Romo's Jeep during an inventory before the vehicle was towed. Romo was also cited for refusing an intoxication test after his arrest.
His next court date is September 21st, eight days after Watt is scheduled to make his regular-season debut with CBS' top crew. CBS News Texas reported that Romo remains on indefinite leave while Watt steps into the lead analyst position during his absence.
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