Tony Romo Apologizes for OWI Arrest, Reveals He Has ‘Over-Reliance on Alcohol’: Read the Statement | Just Jared
Tony Romo has released a lengthy statement amid his arrest.
If you didn’t see the news, the 46-year-old retired Dallas Cowboys quarterback was arrested on July 23 on suspicion of operating while intoxicated (OWI) in Milwaukee, Wisc.
In a new statement, released on Tuesday (September 1), he revealed he entered a plea of no contest to the OWI charge. He also revealed he has an “over-reliance” on alcohol after fighting a “dependence on pain medication.”
Read Tony Romo’s statement on his arrest
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 OWI 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. That 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.
God bless.
Court records show the ramifications Tony Romo will be facing
TMZ is reporting that “Romo’s driving privileges have been revoked for 6 months, and he has to complete an alcohol assessment program. An Ignition Interlock device will also be affixed to his car.”
Days after his arrest, CBS Sports announced that the former Dallas Cowboys quarterback will be away from his role as an analyst “until further notice.”
Posted To:Tony Romo