Boomer Esiason isn’t expecting to see Tony Romo back at CBS Sports.
The former Dallas Cowboys quarterback has been placed on indefinite leave after his arrest on suspicion of operating while intoxicated in Milwaukee.
J.J. Watt has since been promoted into the lead booth alongside alongside Jim Nantz and Tracy Wolfson, setting up another rivalry with Tom Brady.
Esiason, who spent 22 years with The NFL Today, discussed the situation with WFAN co-host Gregg Giannotti, saying he thinks it’s over between Romo and CBS.
“If I had to guess, purely speculation given what’s going on right now, I would think it’s over,” he said. “He may end up going somewhere else and getting things straightened out.”
Romo’s promotion to the lead team came nine years ago with Phil Simms reportedly offered the chance to extend his career in a less prestigious booth.
“That’s an insult,” Esiason added. “Especially a guy that worked 20 years as your lead analyst.”
Simms joined Esiason on The NFL Today, but with Russell Wilson stepping into Matt Ryan’s old job, Romo may find himself without a place at the network that gave a 10-year $180 million contract.
CBS could potentially use the arrest to get out of that obligation, but for now the plan seems to be to see where the cards fall.
“I hope you can respect and appreciate this is a personal matter, and a legal one for Tony. So I can’t speak to that aspect,” the network’s president David Berson said at the NFL Media Day.
“But I can say this is an evolving situation. Therefore, we’re still assessing. There’s no timetable or final decision at this time.
“In making this decision, we had to consider the impact on our image and our brand. That’s very important to us.”
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J.J. Watt looking forward to CBS opportunity
Watt has been placed in an uncomfortable position through no fault of his own with what should be a moment of triumph coming in regrettable circumstances.
“This is not the circumstances that you want something like this to happen under in,” he told the Dan Patrick Show. “Anytime you get an opportunity in any booth, it’s an incredible opportunity.
“So, working alongside such a legendary crew, Jim Nantz, Houston connection and everything he’s done calling some of my stuff in my career.
“And also just his Hall of Fame career and Tracy and everybody. For me it’s just a great opportunity that I am really really excited about.”
Watt deserves his shot at the top booth after a promising start to his broadcasting career and his promotion has opened up a slot in the No. 2 crew.
CBS will be promoting Ross Tucker to that team, alongside Ian Eagle and Evan Washburn, for at least the first two weeks of the season.
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