The recent arrest of CBS analyst Tony Romo on suspicion of operating while intoxicated has sparked plenty of speculation about his future. It appears that it won’t change his status at CBS.
In the short term, however, he may keep a low profile.
As reported by the Daily Mail, via the New York Post, Romo could fade from the spotlight in the immediate future.
“He might step back a little, short term, but he isn’t going anywhere long term,” an unnamed source told the Daily Mail. “That wouldn’t make any sense for us at all.”
It’s unclear who the “us” is in that sentence.
“He contacted his bosses almost immediately to let them know what had happened because he understood the story would spread quickly once it became public,” an unnamed “inside source” told the Daily Mail. “He’s already canceled his appearance at the golf tournament he was scheduled to attend and play in, and over the next few weeks he’s looking to keep a low profile while focusing on getting himself ready for the upcoming season.”
Over the weekend, Romo withdrew from the Texas State Open, which began today.
Whether CBS could do anything about Romo’s employment would hinge on the language of his contract. Most such deals allow for termination without cause at any time. But the employer typically owes the balance of the contract if/when a deal is canceled without cause. A termination with cause would allow the employer to escape the arrangement with no liability.
Without seeing Romo’s contract, there’s no way of knowing whether an arrest for suspicion of OWI would give CBS an out. Even if it did, CBS would have to want to use it. There’s currently no indication that CBS is inclined to attempt to sever ties with Romo over the arrest.