CBS Sports president addresses Tony Romo situation: ‘There’s no timetable’

At its annual NFL Media Day in Manhattan on Tuesday, CBS Sports president David Berson said “there’s no timetable or final decision at this time” regarding the future of the network’s lead NFL TV analyst, Tony Romo.

Romo was put on leave following his July 23 arrest in Wisconsin for operating a vehicle while intoxicated. He was placed on indefinite leave after the release of 45 minutes of body cam footage from the arrest in which Romo denied having any drinks and was also cited for having an open container of alcohol in his vehicle.

“It’s an evolving situation, and therefore we’re still assessing,” Berson said.

“Since it continues to evolve and we’re on the eve of the season, I felt it’s very important that our team… have certainty and direction so we can definitively plan and focus on the production and marketing as we kick off the season. In making this decision, we have to consider the impact on our image and on our brand. That’s very important to us.”

CBS has all of its on-air and key production people at its Manhattan studios for the past two days as it prepares for the season. CBS had previously announced that Romo was on leave “until further notice,” which includes not being in New York this week.

Berson has elevated the network’s No. 2 NFL analyst, J.J. Watt, to team with Jim Nantz on the network’s lead NFL broadcasts. Watt had a strong first season as a CBS NFL game analyst, pairing with Ian Eagle. While Watt is working with Nantz, Eagle will be partnered with analyst Ross Tucker.

“Fortunately, we have a very deep bench,” Berson said.

Romo has a court date in Wisconsin on Sept. 21. He is not required to be present.

After his rookie TV deal, worth around $10 million over three years, Romo and his agents changed the financial landscape of the industry by landing a 10-year, $180 million deal just before the pandemic began in 2020. He has four years and $72 million remaining on his current contract. Romo and Nantz have been TV partners for nine years.

Nantz has spoken glowingly of Romo on the air and has said the two hoped to be the “modern-day version” of Pat Summerall and John Madden before they ever called a game. The Nantz-Romo pairing started strong but has regressed in recent seasons.

Now, the future for the duo is in doubt, as Romo’s leave is indefinite and it is unclear when, if ever, he will return.