CBS made its first real public comment about Tony Romo’s future with the network following his July 23 DUI arrest.
CBS Sports president David Berson said Tuesday that there is no timetable for when a final decision might be made on Romo’s future with the network. He added, however, that the network’s brand image is a significant consideration in making that decision.
“We have to consider the impact on our image or our brand,” Berson said, via Chris Bumbaca of USA Today. “The focus should be and needs to be on our presentation and this great product and not on any other factors. Fortunately, we have a very deep bench. And I’m really proud of the way everyone has stepped up and responded.”
Romo’s legal troubles are relatively limited, though he does have a court date set for September. The bigger issue is the subsequent release of police bodycam footage, which proved quite embarrassing for the former Dallas Cowboys quarterback. He has since been placed on leave by the network, and there is growing speculation that CBS might try to sever the relationship as a result of the public embarrassment.
There have been growing complaints about Romo’s on-air performance, but his now-infamous 10-year, $180 million contract with CBS left the network with no real option but to stay the course. That has changed now with Romo’s arrest.
