CBS boss says network must consider ‘impact on our image’ in Tony Romo suspension

NEW YORK – Tony Romo‘s leave of absence from CBS is going to last at least a little while longer.

CBS Sports president David Berson said during a news conference Tuesday, Aug. 11, that there is no timetable for Romo’s return to the broadcast booth following his July 23 arrest for operating a vehicle while intoxicated (OWI) in his native Wisconsin.

Romo, 46, was placed on leave “until further notice” by CBS Sports July 31, not long after the body camera footage from his traffic stop and subsequent arrest became an Internet sensation.

“I hope you can respect that this is a professional and personal matter,” Berson said.

Berson said Romo’s legal troubles were “an evolving situation and therefore we’re still assessing,” with no timetable yet for a potential return.

Romo, who is part of the network’s top broadcast team as the color commentator alongside Jim Nantz, will be replaced by J.J. Watt, a move the network first mentioned while announcing Romo’s leave.

Berson said he felt it was important for the CBS team to have certainty and direction to definitively plan the marketing

“We have to consider the impact on our image or our brand,” Berson said.

Berson continued: “The focus should be and needs to be on our presentation and this great product and not on any other factors. Fortunately, we have a very deep bench. And I’m really proud of the way everyone has stepped up and responded.”

CBS NFL announcer Tony Romo during the Kansas City Chiefs game against the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LVIII at Allegiant Stadium.

The former Dallas Cowboys quarterback was stopped by Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office deputies going southbound on I-43 and “performed poorly on SFSTs (standard field sobriety tests),” according to an arrest report.

Romo has a court date set for Sept. 21. CBS’ first assignment for Romo would have been their showcase game of Week 1, with the Green Bay Packers facing the Minnesota Vikings Sept. 13.