Media execs think CBS is done with Tony Romo over ‘uncontrollable’ fear after arrest
Tony Romo’s CBS career could soon be at an end, according to media executives.
Opinions about Romo’s future with CBS have been mixed after he was placed on indefinite leave by the company following his July 23 OWI arrest.
According to Puck News, “a bunch of sports media executives” feel that Romo won’t be back assuming CBS feels Romo’s arrest, including the 40 minute video of him being questioned by police, impacts CBS’ image.
“Will viewers wonder if Romo is tipsy the next time he acts goofy in the booth or has a weird conversation with Jim Nantz?” Puck wrote in its newsletter. “Will social media users create memes with the arrest video? Will M.A.D.D. go berserk, and make sponsors uncomfortable? These are the types of uncontrollable instances TV network executives strenuously hope to avoid.”
Ross Pitcoff, founder and managing partner of Pitcoff Law Group, shared a similar sentiment, telling The Post that CBS’ move to suspend Romo following the arrest — even if the plan is to terminate — shows the networks feels some “embarrassment” toward the situation.
It would then come down to CBS’ ability to enforce the morals clause which The Athletic reported to be part of his 10-year, $180 million contract.
If the clause uses broad language, such as stating CBS can terminate Romo in case of any scandal, or subjective language, the network could terminate Romo for the legal situation and get out of the $72 million they owe him over the next four years.
However, while the language of the morals clause has not been disclosed, Alex Davis, the founder of Omni Law P.C. — who has negotiated these clauses himself for both talent and producers — thinks Romo’s deal likely includes “very favorable language” for the talent.
At the time of his signing in 2020, Romo was widely considered the top analyst in the NFL and had no major criminal record or legal controversies.
Because of those factors, Romo’s contract might have a termination qualifier of a felony or conviction that would favor the former quarterback.
Romo was arrested in Wisconsin where a first-offense OWI is usually a civil offense, rather than a criminal charge.
Another source, who is familiar with typical sports media contracts, told The Post that moral clauses almost never include DUI’s as firable offenses, typically including acts such as theft, insubordination, workplace misconduct, violence or a felony instead.
The person said CBS would look over the police report, but likely won’t find something to invoke the morals clause.
The wording of the clause will also decide whether a contract fight is possible. Though that would go to arbitration and be handed privatly, potentially ending in a settlement.
If Romo is terminated, regardless of how, CBS and the media executives don’t feel they are short of potential replacements, according to Puck News.
JJ Watt — who will fill in on CBS’ top broadcast team alongside Jim Nantz and Tracy Wolfson in Romo’s absence — is thought of as a rising star at the network.
Troy Aikman, Kirk Herbstreit, and Greg Olsen also all have contracts expiring at the end of the season, and could be subject to make the switch to CBS.
