Dallas Cowboys legend Tony Romo has stayed in the public eye through his successful broadcasting career, but this time the spotlight shifted for the wrong reasons after he was arrested on suspicion of driving while under the influence.
After body-cam footage of the Cowboys icon doing field sobriety tests went viral on Tuesday, former NFL linebacker Emmanuel Acho offered a reality check.
Emmanuel Acho Reacts to Tony Romo’s Arrest With Stern Warning to Public Figures
Several renowned players, celebrities, and public figures have been arrested for driving under the influence in recent years.
Romo’s arrest reignited debate over the seriousness of impaired driving after he was booked into the Milwaukee County Jail before being released. Court records show that his initial court appearance is scheduled for September.
In Tuesday’s episode of the “Speakeasy” podcast, Acho addressed Romo’s arrest while sending a message to public figures facing similar situations.
“Stop driving recklessly and putting other people at danger,” Acho said. “Before I express any empathy, let me expose the reality, which is enough jeopardizing other people’s health because of your lack of seriousness as an individual or human being. That’s my first thought.”
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TMZ later obtained and released bodycam footage from Romo’s traffic stop and field sobriety test. He was seen repeatedly asking deputies if he can call his lawyer after being informed that he would have to undergo a field sobriety test.
The deputy repeatedly denied the request before Romo eventually complied. He was then detained as part of an OWI investigation, with footage showing him placing his hands on his head before officers handcuffed him and escorted him into the back of a patrol vehicle.
The incident is absolutely a difficult public moment for Romo, a four-time Pro Bowler who built an accomplished NFL career. He posted the second-best PFN QB Impact Score in the 2014 season, passing for 3,705 yards with 34 touchdowns.
Acho pointed to Romo’s arrest as an example of how quickly a respected reputation can be damaged.
“When you get arrested, bro, you lose all dignity,” Acho said. “I mean, all dignity. I’m going to show you all the certain moments in this clip where the great Tony Romo, CBS announcer and Cowboys quarterback, has lost all dignity.
“He’s trying to call his lawyer. They won’t allow him to call his lawyer again. It’s not a constitutional right while you are being detained after you have been detained. That’s where it’s a different conversation.”
Romo spent all of his NFL career with the Cowboys before retiring following the 2016 season. After stepping away from football, he joined CBS Sports and serves as the network’s lead NFL analyst.
