CBS places Tony Romo on leave amid contract dispute
CBS has put analyst Tony Romo on indefinite leave and may seek to terminate his $72 million contract using a morals clause, prompting expectations of a legal showdown.
CBS announced on Friday that analyst Tony Romo has been placed on leave "until further notice," and the network has promoted J.J. Watt to the lead NFL broadcast team, indicating Romo will be absent through the 2026 season.
Industry reports suggest the move could be aimed at ending Romo's four-year, $72 million contract. The agreement contains a morals clause that allows termination for conduct deemed contrary to public morals or that brings the network into disrepute.
"The arrest for suspicion of operating while intoxicated, the behavior during the traffic stop and the alleged open container of alcohol could be interpreted as a violation of the morals clause," a media analyst said.
If CBS proceeds with a for-cause termination, Romo is expected to contest the action, likely through arbitration rather than a public court case. His legal team may argue that similar conduct by other CBS broadcasters has not resulted in termination, suggesting the clause could be used as a pretext to avoid the remaining salary.
Negotiations could lead to a settlement that reduces the payout below the full $72 million, though the final outcome remains uncertain.