Tony Romo may not get an on-air farewell at CBS.
Sports media insider John Ourand predicted it’s “95 percent” certain that Romo will not return to CBS following his OWI arrest that currently has him on leave from the network.
The sides will ultimately have to figure out the roughly $72 million owed over the final four years of the ex-quarterback’s contract.
“I think it’s highly unlikely,” Ourand said of a Romo return to CBS on “The Powers That Be Daily” podcast Friday. “And by highly unlikely, I think it’s like 95 percent that he’s not back at CBS.”
Romo’s future with CBS has become a hot topic since his July arrest in Wisconsin on allegations of operating a vehicle while intoxicated, to which he pleaded no contest.
The 46-year-old also was cited for first-offense operating while intoxicated, unsafe passing on the right side and possession intoxicants inside his vehicle, and he’s due in court Sept. 21.
CBS placed Romo on indefinite leave “until further notice,” and replaced him with fellow ex-NFL star J.J. Watt in the network’s “A” booth alongside play-by-play man Jim Nantz.
“There’s a potential J.J. Watt falls on his face and doesn’t do a good job and then there’s an opening there and they can slide Romo back in,” Ourand said, “but that’s really unlikely to happen.”
David Berson, CBS Sports’ president, said in early August they were still assessing the situation and had not established a timetable or final decision.
Perhaps most interesting is that Berson noted how Romo’s arrest has affected the company, with Ourand adding that the release of the arrest videos harms CBS.
“In making this decision, we have to consider the impact on our image and our brand,” Berson said of placing Romo on leave before his court date. “That’s very important to us. 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 deep bench, and I’m really proud of the way everybody is stepping up and responding.”
That quote has many wondering if CBS could exit the contract early, particularly due to the morals clause in his contract that could be cited.
Some legal experts cautioned to The Post that it could be hard for CBS to win a battle on that front.
That could leave the sides to negotiate a buyout, which still affords Romo some favorable wiggle room while CBS can move on.
“The problem with Romo is there’s that video for 44 minutes and anytime he says or does something silly in the booth, which he’s kind of known for being like sillier than others, then the memes start up about whether he’s drunk or whether he’s drinking,” Ourand said on the poadcast.
“CBS, they’re jealous about their brand and they don’t want that to affect their brand and they also see an opportunity potentially to save some money.” Tony Romo makes $18 million a year, so this could be a way to save some money. But if you read again that [CBS] statement, there’s going to be a negotiation and the question is: What is the number? … What is the number that would make Tony Romo sort of walk away without a fight? I think that’s where the negotiations almost certainly are going to head.”
Romo broke his silence on the arrest earlier this week and referenced a potential CBS return.
“I own this completely,” he wrote in an Instagram post. Multiple back surgeries ended my career earlier than I expected and left me with constant, debilitating pain. That pain led to a dependance on pain medication, and my efforts to get off those medications led to an over-reliance on alcohol.
“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.”
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