Tony Romo Arrest Caught on Bodycam: Former Cowboys QB Tells Police He Had ‘Zero’ Drinks

Former Dallas Cowboys quarterback and current CBS analyst Tony Romo was pulled over on an elevated highway in Milwaukee on July 23. The deputy cited “unsafe passing on the right” and cutting across a marked area. What the newly released police bodycam footage shows next has drawn widespread attention.

Romo, 46, told the officer he was coming from a golf course and heading to “meet grandma and grandpa.” Asked how many drinks he had consumed, he answered clearly: “zero.” When field sobriety tests were requested, Romo said he wanted to call his lawyer. The deputy repeatedly ordered him out of the vehicle.

Romo began recording the encounter on his own cellphone. “Because I’m coming from a golf course you think I’m drunk?” he asked before finally stepping out. He was handcuffed and moved to a level surface for testing. At the station, the deputy pointed to “red, glassy eyes,” the odor of alcohol on his breath, and “a few shooters” found in his bag.

Romo asked if any of the small containers had been drunk. The deputy did not answer and directed him to the tests. Before beginning, Romo requested time to stretch, citing old back injuries aggravated by the ride. He mentioned prior surgeries and briefly laughed when asked about recent head injuries or concussions: “Over the years, yes, but not recently.”

The field sobriety tests lasted more than twelve minutes. Romo removed his sandals, placed his hands on his lower back, and interrupted instructions at points. When offered a breath test, he refused outright. “Oh no. We’re not doing that,” he said. “I’ve heard from multiple lawyers, ‘Don’t ever do that.’ So, we’re not going to do that.”

He then asked, “Did I pass this test?” The deputy informed him he was under arrest. Court records show Romo received a citation for refusal to take an intoxication test. The case is being treated as a traffic violation under Wisconsin law, not a criminal charge. His court date is set for September 21. The bodycam video has now placed a very public spotlight on the stop.