MILWAUKEE, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Former NFL quarterback Tony Romo pleaded no contest to an operating while intoxicated ticket Tuesday. He was fined $784 and lost his driver’s license for six months, court records show.
Romo, 46, was cited after a July 23 traffic stop in Milwaukee County.
Romo was not required to appear in court, and his attorney appeared for him, court records show.
Romo must also complete an alcohol assessment program, and an ignition interlock device has to be placed on any vehicle registered to him for a year after his license is reinstated.
In a statement posted to social media, Romo admitted an “over-reliance” on alcohol.
Multiple back surgeries ended my career earlier than I expected and left me with constant, debilitating pain. That pain led to a dependence on pain medication, and my efforts to get off those medications led to an over-reliance on alcohol.
As I have taught my three young sons: when you fall short, you stand up and take full responsibility. That is an important first step. The harder and more important step is examining the path that brought you here and making the changes necessary to move forward.
Citations for possessing an open intoxicant in a vehicle, unsafe passing on the right, and refusal to take an intoxication test were dismissed, court records show.
CBS placed Romo on leave after his arrest.
