Tony Romo Pleads No Contest to OWI Charges, Confesses to Having an ‘Over-Reliance on Alcohol’

Tony Romo is taking full responsibility for his actions.

On Tuesday, September 1, the former Dallas Cowboys quarterback, 46, pleaded no contest to charges of operating a vehicle while intoxicated following his July 23 arrest in Wisconsin, per ESPN.

His driving privileges were suspended for six months. An ignition interlock device will also have to be installed on any vehicle owned, registered or operated by him. In addition, the CBS broadcaster was also ordered to attend and complete an alcohol assessment program and pay a $784 fine, per the outlet.

“This is one of those moments when I am leaning on everything football taught me,” the retired athlete wrote in a statement posted to Instagram on September 1.

“I own this completely,” he noted of his no contest plea to the civil offenses. “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,” added Romo, who shares Hawkins, 14, Rivers, 12, and Jones, 9, with his wife of 15 years, Candice Crawford. “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.”

“That path requires honesty,” he continued. “None of this is an excuse. These are my failures, and I take responsibility for them.”

“The past month has been difficult, but it has also been personally significant. It has required me to confront and own my mistakes fully — to the Lord, to myself, to my family, and now to the public.”

“I am working closely with a team of doctors to address my health and make the necessary changes. I am deeply grateful for the support of my family, my friends, and the NFL community including players, coaches, and owners. Your encouragement has meant more to me than you know,” he concluded. “As I turn my attention to my health, my family, and, in time, my return to CBS, I kindly ask for privacy during this period. God bless.”

Tom Brady, Jimmy Kimmel and Romo’s brother-in-law, Gossip Girl alum Chace Crawford, were among those who expressed their support in the comments section.