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CBS Sports is cutting ties with NFL announcer Tony Romo.
The network said in a statement Friday that CBS and Romo “have mutually agreed to part ways. We thank Tony for his contributions over the past nine years and wish him the best moving forward.”
Romo had been on leave from CBS since July, when he was arrested in his home state of Wisconsin on charges of operating a vehicle while intoxicated. He pleaded no contest to several charges on Sept. 1; first offenses for OWI in Wisconsin are considered civil offenses.
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“I’m proud of what I accomplished at CBS Sports over the last nine years,” Romo said in a statement. “I approached my role as a game analyst the way I’ve approached everything in my life — with a desire to win and be the best that I can be. I’m going to use this time to take a break, something I’ve never done before, and focus on my health and my family before moving on to my next opportunity. I am grateful for my time with CBS Sports and for the continued support of my family and friends, as well as the NFL community and fans.”
After pleading no contest to the OWI charges, Romo wrote in a statement posted to social media that following multiple back surgeries that ended his NFL playing career with the Dallas Cowboys, he developed a dependence on pain medication. His attempt to get off of those meds led to “an over-reliance on alcohol,” as he put it.
Former All-Pro JJ Watt has been filling in for Romo as CBS’ lead NFL analyst, alongside play-by-play announcer Jim Nantz and sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson. Watt will stay in that role for the remainder of this season.
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