Tony Romo removal 'may not be temporary' as CBS 'test' theory emerges
Tony Romo removal 'may not be temporary' as CBS 'test' theory emerges
Matthew Neschis Thu, August 6, 2026 at 2:01 AM UTC
135
Tony Romo was placed on leave 'until further notice' by CBS -Credit:Getty Images
Tony Romo’s time at CBS may have run its course as reports continue to swirl that the NFL color analyst could be permanently removed from the network’s No. 1 booth.
On July 23, Romo was arrested in Milwaukee on suspicion of operating while intoxicated, according to the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office. The former Cowboys quarterback was pulled over around 8 p.m. while driving southbound on Interstate 43 across Wisconsin's high-rise bridge, with subsequent citations alleging that an open bottle of an alcoholic beverage was discovered in the passenger’s side of his vehicle.
In light of Romo’s run-in with the law, CBS announced that it would be placing Romo on leave “until further notice.” J.J. Watt is set to take the 46-year-old’s place on the network’s lead NFL broadcast team, alongside Jim Nantz and sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson. It comes after Ryan Clark received a humiliating job offer following his ESPN firing.
• Mark Cuban throws hat in the ring as Jerry Jones 'open to' $13B Cowboys sale
• Charles Barkley turned down Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift wedding invite with brutal explanation
According to Sports Illustrated’s Jimmy Traina, Romo’s enforced absence “may not be temporary,” as CBS looks to “test out” a new commentator pairing.
“But it seems, to me at least, Romo’s removal from the No. 1 booth may not be temporary,” Traina wrote. “It’s pretty clear that CBS is using this whole mess as an opportunity to test out the Nantz-Watt pairing for the future.”
Romo was released on July 24 on a first-offense operating while intoxicated charge, which is generally treated as a civil violation and carries a fine ranging from $150 to $300.
With his court hearing set for Sept. 21, the consensus belief is that CBS will roll out Watt and Nantz for at least two games in Week 1 (Sept. 13) and Week 2 (Sept. 20) of the 2026 season.
Advertisement
Romo and Jim Nantz have made up CBS Sports' No. 1 NFL booth for the past several seasons -Credit:Getty Images
Beyond that, Traina acknowledged that it remains to be seen what CBS will do with Romo. “CBS could go in several different directions,” he added.
“Even if Romo is cleared, CBS could still make the decision that he embarrassed the network and needs some sort of demotion. The network could keep Nantz and Watt as its No. 1 team if they’re working out well and move Romo to the No. 2 crew with Ian Eagle.
“If Romo isn’t cleared, then CBS could use the morals clause in Romo’s contract to cut ties with him completely and get out of the $17-million-a-year contract that still has four years remaining on it.”
Traina even suggested that CBS could look to sever ties with Romo before his hearing takes place.
• NFL star retires mid-training camp after signing $1.41 million contract
• John Harbaugh lays down the law with Jaxson Dart penalty in practice
In such a scenario, the network might offer his seat to Greg Olsen, who reportedly possesses a clause in his contract with FOX that allows him to immediately leave if offered a No. 1 analyst position.
“The timing here could be dicey because the season starts in six weeks,” Traina admitted.
“But if something happens in the next couple of weeks to make CBS decide it doesn’t want to be in business anymore with Romo, it could offer Olsen its lead analyst role and pair him with Nantz, which would also let the company keep Eagle and Watt together.”
Meanwhile, Carson Beck has been given an NFL career boost he didn't see coming after a "crazy" Arizona Cardinals camp.
Source: “AOL Sports”
