Chris Carlin isn’t buying CBS’s statement regarding Tony Romo only being placed on leave. The ESPN New York host believes the network is aiming to get out of Tony Romo’s contract entirely.
What We Know: CBS placed Romo on leave “until further notice” on Friday. He was arrested last week in Milwaukee on suspicion of OWI. Deputies cited him for failing sobriety tests and having an open container. Romo remains roughly four years into a 10-year, $180 million deal. The network announced that JJ Watt will fill in for Romo alongside Jim Nantz. Following the announcement of CBS placing Romo on leave, Carlin says that the statement from the network is potentially positioning them for something more.
What They Said: (All quotes via ESPN New York)
Chris Carlin feels CBS wants out of their agreement with Tony Romo: “What I think is trying to happen here is that CBS is trying to figure out how to get out of it. They owe him four years and 72 billion. Is Tony Romo ever going to call its game again for CBS? I think if you asked them today, their preference is no, and they would like to get out.”
Chris Carlin feels CBS is aiming for a settled agreement on a departure: “It’s going to come down to a settlement. It’s going to come down to what is it worth to CBS to ask Tony Romo to walk away versus actually asking him to tighten it up over the next couple of years.”
Chris Carlin believes CBS putting Tony Romo on leave is a strategy leading up to his court date: “I think right now CBS is probably waiting for September 21st. Can we get out without paying you anything, based on how you handle this. Or are we gonna have to pay you 25 million to go away?”
What Remains Unclear: Whether or not CBS Sports will work on a settlement with Romo is unknown. Also, if there is a clause in Romo’s agreement with the network that was violated because of his arrest is also unknown.
What It Means: If Carlin’s read is right, Romo’s CBS run likely ends through negotiation, not termination. That path lets CBS sidestep a legal fight while still moving on. J.J. Watt, already filling in, stands to gain the most. For Romo, the arrest may end up costing him his booth as much as his court date. However, if CBS Sports stays with Romo, it will be interesting to see if the incident motivates Romo for a better performance than recently.
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John Mamola is Barrett Media’s sports editor and daily sports columnist. He brings over two decades of experience (Chicago, Tampa/St Petersburg) in the broadcast industry with expertise in brand management, sales, promotions, producing, imaging, hosting, talent coaching, talent development, web development, social media strategy and design, video production, creative writing, partnership building, communication/networking with a long track record of growth and success. He is a five-time recognized top 20 program director in a major market via Barrett Medi’s Top 20 series and has been honored internally multiple times as station/brand of the year (Tampa, FL) and employee of the month (Tampa, FL) by iHeartMedia. Connect with John by email at John@BarrettMedia.com.