Tony Romo got disqualified from his Korn Ferry qualifier the same day he 'parted ways' with CBS Sports
Former Cowboys QB Tony Romo Parts Ways with CBS and Is Disqualified From Korn Ferry Qualifier
By Maine News Now Staff
October 7, 2023 – The former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo has made headlines for two very different reasons: his exit from CBS Sports and a disqualification from a Korn Ferry Tour pre‑qualifier. The events unfolded on the same day, leaving the former NFL star with a series of setbacks that could alter his post‑football career.
A career in turmoil
Romo, who earned a reputation as one of the NFL’s brightest quarterbacks, was arrested in July for operating a vehicle while intoxicated in Wisconsin. The arrest, captured on police body‑cam footage that quickly went viral, sparked a backlash that extended beyond the courtroom. The incident prompted CBS Sports, where Romo had served as a lead football analyst, to place him on indefinite leave in late August. By early October, the network and Romo agreed to terminate the relationship, with the former player reportedly still owed tens of millions of dollars in contract payments.
“After the arrest and the subsequent media scrutiny, CBS decided that it was in the best interest of both parties to part ways,” CBS spokesperson Dan Shulman told reporters. “Tony has expressed gratitude for the opportunities he’s had with us.”
Romo’s departure follows a period of fan criticism regarding his on‑air analysis, but the new development raises questions about what lies ahead for the 46‑year‑old.
A day on the green
On the same day the CBS decision was announced, Romo was competing in a Korn Ferry Tour pre‑qualifier at the Club at Forest Ridge in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. Romo, an accomplished amateur golfer, had already posted two solid rounds—76 and 75—positioning him 13 strokes back of the leaders after 36 holes. While that margin was significant, his scores kept him within reach of the next stage of the qualifying process.
The third round, however, turned into a nightmare. Romo’s scorecard, which he signed at the end of the day, listed a 4 on both the 16th and 17th holes. His playing partner and marker, Brandon Rice, recorded a 4 on the 16th but a 5 on the 17th. Adding to the confusion, a PGA professional and walking referee who had been assigned to oversee Romo’s group reported that the player appeared to have made 5s on both holes.
“After the round, the referee told the tournament staff that he was certain Romo had recorded 5s on the 16th and 17th,” Rob Keller, the pre‑qualifier administrator, explained to Golf.com. “The discrepancy in the scorecard led to the disqualification.”
The rules of golf are explicit: a player must sign a scorecard that accurately reflects all shots taken. A mismatch between a player’s signed card and the marker’s record renders the player disqualified from that round. Romo, who had a realistic chance of advancing had he not mis‑recorded his strokes, was officially removed from the leaderboard.
Romo’s response
In a brief statement issued after the incident, Romo said he “took responsibility” for the error. “I apologize for the mistake and for any confusion it has caused,” he wrote on his personal Twitter account. “I appreciate the opportunity to compete and the support from everyone involved.”
Keller, who was present when Romo signed the card, offered a sympathetic view. “Tony didn’t have time to double‑check the marker’s version before signing,” Keller told Golf.com. “He’s a good guy and, as far as I know, he was very complimentary about the quality of the tournament.”
The disqualification, coupled with the network exit, leaves Romo at a crossroads. His contract with CBS, still largely unpaid, and his recent legal troubles have already cast doubts on his future in sports broadcasting. Meanwhile, his golf ambitions seem to have taken a hit, at least for now, after the Korn Ferry pre‑qualifier mishap.
What’s next for Romo?
While the disqualification may be a minor setback in the world of professional golf, the combination of a career‑changing legal situation and a high‑profile broadcast exit could reshape Romo’s trajectory. In the short term, he will likely focus on resolving contractual matters with CBS and addressing the legal ramifications of his July arrest.
In the long run, Romo may still find avenues within sports media, perhaps in a different capacity or with a different network. His deep knowledge of football, combined with his charismatic on‑air presence, could prove valuable if he chooses to return to broadcasting. Alternatively, he could double down on golf, using the experience as motivation to refine his play and scorecard discipline.
For now, the day has served as a stark reminder that a former NFL star can face unpredictable challenges, both on and off the field. Romo’s story is far from over, but the double blow of a network separation and a golf disqualification marks a significant turning point in his post‑football journey.