NEW YORK – (Wire Service Report) – CBS Sports president David Berson expressed concern about the brand’s image but did not offer a timeline for a decision about Tony Romo’s future with the network.
CBS held its NFL Media Day on Tuesday without its lead game analyst present. Romo is on leave due to the aftermath of his July 23 arrest in Wisconsin for allegedly operating a vehicle while intoxicated.
“It’s an evolving situation and we are still assessing,” Berson told reporters Tuesday in New York. “There is no timetable or final decision at this time.”
A 45-minute bodycam video released by authorities showed Romo telling police he had not been drinking, but they found an open bottle of alcohol in his car, and that was enough for CBS to take him off the air, at least temporarily. The ex-Dallas Cowboys quarterback was later cited for refusing to take an intoxication test after his arrest.
Berson and CBS now must handle questions about Romo’s future in their football coverage plans. CBS has elevated former NFL Defensive Player of the Year J.J. Watt to work aside Jim Nantz in Romo’s place. Tracy Wolfson again will be the sideline reporter for the Nantz crew.
Watt, 37, was the No. 2 analyst for CBS last season, teaming with veteran play-by-play caller Ian Eagle.
“We have to consider the impact on our image and our brand,” Berson said. “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 others.
“Fortunately, we have a deep bench and everybody is stepping up.”
Romo, 46, is due in court on Sept. 21, and he likely would not return to the network before then, if he is retained.
Romo was hired by CBS in 2017. He re-signed with the network on a 10-year, $180 million deal that has four years and $72 million remaining.
–Field Level Media