You've seen the headlines. Tony Romo, former Dallas Cowboys quarterback, arrested for drunk driving in Milwaukee. But the headlines don't tell you what actually happened that night. And honestly, most of the videos out there don't either. They just play the footage and move on. So, here's what we're going to do. We're going to watch the body cam together, frame by frame, and break down what really went down, why the stop happened, what the officers were looking for, and whether they did it by the book. And at the end, you can be the judge. Let's get into it. >> Hi there, Deputy Corp in Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office. >> Were you speaking on the speaker? >> I was. >> I believe. The deputy pulls over a car on I43 in Milwaukee County. And right from the first words, he tells Tony Romo exactly why. Unsafe passing on the right. Lane deviation cutting across the gore. That's the striped white area on the shoulder. You're never supposed to drive on. And here's the thing that matters legally. The officer has to state a reason for the stop. That's reasonable suspicion. He's not guessing. He's articulating what he saw. >> Reason for my stop today, >> that was what you said. >> Yep. Reason for my stop today is the unsafe passing on the right. The lane deviation. >> Say it louder. I'm sorry. >> Unsafe passing on the right. Cutting across the gore. >> Obviously the Gore. >> Yes. >> It's the marked area. >> Gotcha. >> Where are you coming from? >> Well, I live in Dallas, so I came to visit Grandpa. So, we're here. I'm going to do that. I got the core. >> You got the what? >> The core. You said >> Yeah. >> That's what it is for you. Press it. >> Yep. >> Yes. I got what you're saying. You said >> and you were coming from grandma and grandpa. >> What did you say? It's really hard to hear you, dude. >> I I can't hear you either. >> Yeah, I know. We got to basically yell at each other, right? >> I feel like I'm yelling at you. >> Okay. All right. Where are you coming from? >> The golf course. And I'm going to meet Grandma and Grandpa. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> All right. I'll take a driver's license from you. >> You got it. >> What's your name? >> Deputy Core. >> Does anyone meet Grandma and Grandpa? And I passed the Gore, which is the place you're talking about. I got it. You're saying I went over the white line. >> What's a good phone number for you? >> This is my dad's. >> All right. What's your dad? same last name. >> Yeah. So, I got the same thing as >> Okay. All right. Hang tight for me. >> Listen to what the deputy asks next. How many drinks have you had? Romo tells him he's coming from a golf tournament in Wisconsin. Now, coming from a golf course isn't a crime, but it's a context clue. Combined with what the deputy says he's observing, it's part of a bigger picture the officer is building. >> All right. How many drinks have you had? Zero. >> You're coming from a golf course. >> I play golf in the Wisconsin state a >> Okay. >> So, it's like a USJ event. >> Okay. All right. I'm going to run you through some fields. >> What's that mean? >> Field soiety test. Are you willing to take any field soiety testing? Listen to what the deputy asks next. How many drinks have you had? Romo tells him he's coming from a golf tournament in Wisconsin. Now, coming from a golf course isn't a crime, but it's a context clue combined with what the deputy says he's observing. It's part of a bigger picture the officer is building. >> I'm sorry. >> You're denying to step out of the vehicle. I'm just going to call that. >> Okay. Step out of the vehicle. >> I'm going to call. >> Nope. Step out of the vehicle. >> I'm not allowed to. >> Step out of the vehicle. >> You're going to take me through. >> Failed soiety test. >> You're still allowed to call my right. >> You're not. >> I'm not allowed. >> Nope. Step out of the vehicle. >> 24 this way. >> 20 24. I'll take an additional 1017. He's >> not stepping out of the vehicle for field. >> I'll do it. I'm just saying that I'm not allowed to call any squad backward. >> I'm not zooming out. >> I want you to step out of the view. Copy. >> Watch what the deputy does next. It's actually a good example of procedure. He doesn't run the field tests right there on the highway. He moves Romo to a flat, even surface, free of debris, away from traffic. Why? Because field sobriety tests are only valid if the conditions are controlled. If you're testing balance on a slope or a gravel shoulder, the results don't hold up. He's protecting the integrity of the test and of the case. >> All right. So, you're going to step in front of my vehicle. >> Step in front of my vehicle. >> Put this right here. >> Step in front of my vehicle. >> Chief back on this. Um, they'll be hiring at uh C20 shortly. >> 24 squad can slow it down. >> He's out of the vehicle. I'll be uh conveying him to the valley for good. >> Turn around for me. >> Good chance. >> Patty, you down for weapons. Weapons on you. >> Okay. All right. You're detained. Pending an OWI investigation. Deputy Cor. Sir, >> are you going to take me through? >> Take me through it. >> So, as of right now, we're on a leveled ground. We're on a bridge. I want to convey you somewhere that's going to be a even surface free of debris. >> Yes, I agree. So, we don't get hit. >> Turn around for me. >> I get you. >> Yep. >> I just want to make sure does two more have a PVT. >> 24. That's a negative. I can't see you when you're off in the jail. I have one. >> I'll grab your phone for you. Okay. >> I'm already at the jail. Do you need any help? >> So, >> what about the keys and everything? >> Okay, hang on. >> My bad. >> You can stay at the jail and you just go back. >> I will grab the keys. >> Your phone I will grab as well. Okay. >> You're detained for an OWI investigation. I've patted you down for any weapons. >> I would normally seat you on the passenger side due to it being so close to the concrete barrier. We're going to go into traffic very carefully in the distress >> because you're not able to fit, sir. There's no So, we're going to walk in the distress. >> We're going to go in the distress. >> Can we grab the phone first? >> I will, sir. I only have two hands. I'm northbound at Howard more of a car to sit on that uh vehicle. Have a seat. Hey, are you going to sit with the vehicle? >> You in all the way? >> What's that? >> You in all the way? >> Um, I'm in. Yes. Uncomfortably. Yes. Um, >> I know you're taller. Follow. >> Yeah, it's a little bit. >> Yeah. All right. Copy. Yes, sir. >> All right. So, do you want to swing your feet up outside so you have a little more room? >> Yeah. So, can you take the cross off for a sec, please? Just for the sure. >> Is that possible? >> Well, sir, I'm going to have you step out completely. I'm trying. I'm sorry. Just the bad back. >> Okay, sir. >> Let me know if you need a hand. >> Y I'm okay. I'm good. >> I'm good. >> Is it possible to take it off just so I can >> Yep. >> You can take your hand out. You're welcome. No worries. >> Now, the deputy does something really important. He states his observations out loud. Coming from a golf course, red glassy eyes and the odor of alcohol coming from his breath. Then he mentions that when his partner brought in the backpack, he checked it for weapons, standard safety, and he found a few shooters. Those are the tiny single serving liquor bottles. That's not an accusation by itself, but it's another piece of the picture the officer is legally allowed to consider. >> All right, sir. So, based on your driving, >> where you were coming from, >> you said the golf course, correct? >> Yeah. Okay. >> The uh red glassy eyes and then the odor of an intoxicating alcoholic beverage from your box. >> Oh my god. >> Okay. Um and then when my partner brought the backpack that you wanted, uh we basically do not an inventory, but I make sure that there's no guns. >> Exactly. >> And there were a few shooters in there that I observed. >> Yeah. Any of them drank? >> Okay. So, any of them, right? >> Okay. So, based off of that, I'm going to run you through some fields, >> SFSTs. >> Let's do it. >> Okay. All right. So, >> this is the first standardized field test, the horizontal gaze nestagmus or HGN. The officer moves a pen across Romo's vision and watches his eyes. He's looking for involuntary jerking of the eye as it tracks to the side. That's a physiological response to alcohol you can't consciously control. Notice how much instruction the deputy gives. Keep your head still. Follow with your eyes only. That's because the test only works if it's administered correctly. And you'll notice Romo politely but repeatedly struggles to keep his head still. That matters because in court, sloppy administration gets tests thrown out. >> Flat surface free to breathe. All my lights and everything are off. You're just going to stand in the front here for me? >> No. >> Go. Go ahead, dude. >> Two back surgeries. Has he been searched or like okay >> 25? >> All right. Just stand in the middle for me, sir. >> Yep. >> And you're just going to turn around. >> You're going to have stand facing me. >> Feet together. Yep. >> Just half step forward off the clutch bar. Perfect. Thank you. >> Feet together. >> Sorry. >> Okay. Feet together, arms down at your side. >> Okay. Uh, any hand injuries? >> Excuse me. >> Any head injuries recently? Any concussions? >> Well, over the years, yes, but not recently. Okay. So, please stand with your feet together and your hands down at the side. Do not do >> Please stand with your feet together and your hands down at your side. Do not do anything until I tell you. Do you understand? >> Do you have shoes on? >> What do you prefer? >> Whatever you want. >> Okay. >> I'm going to check your eyes. Please keep your head still during the test. Okay. >> Look at the stimulus and follow the movement of the stimulus with your eyes only. >> All right. >> Keep looking at the stimulus until the test is over. >> Stimulus. >> Do you understand? Stimulus. Top of my pen. Right over here. Okay. >> Yeah. >> Do you understand? >> I got you. >> Okay. Can you maintain the position? >> Yeah. >> Let's go. >> I'm going to make a couple of passes. Okay. Top of my pendant. >> So, what am I doing? Just tell me. Am I looking at it or >> you're going to look at the top of my pendant stimulus? Okay. as a rule. Got up. >> Yes. >> Make a couple passes. Okay. >> Okay. So, I'm following this. >> That's your setup. >> Yes, sir. >> Okay. Got to move my head or keep it a square. >> Would you like the instructions one more time, sir? >> I think I got It's okay. Got to keep your head still, please. >> That's exactly. >> Okay, so eyes and eyes only. I'll move the head just a little to get there. Sorry. What do you have to do? Just going to keep your head straight for me. We're going to remove that. Okay. >> All right. Still the top of my pen. >> Yeah. Still stir. >> Don't move your head. Eyes and eyes only, please. Okay. >> Okay. Sorry, I didn't realize I was still on. Can you put me in four? >> Second test, the walk and turn. Nine steps heel to toe on a straight line, real or imaginary. Turn nine steps back. This is the test that evaluates balance, coordination, and the ability to follow complex instructions. and watch how many times the deputy has to repeat the instructions. That's not the deputy being difficult. Divided attention is exactly what this test measures. When alcohol affects the brain, following a 10step instruction while balancing becomes genuinely hard. The deputy even demonstrates it for him, which is standard. >> The next step is the walking. >> The next step is going to be the walk and turn instructions. Okay. >> Place your left foot on the line, real or imaginary. So, you're going to picture a straight line in front of you. >> Okay. >> You You can rotate right over. >> I'll start over. Walk and turn instructions. You're going to picture a straight line in front of you. >> Okay. >> Place your left foot on the line, real or imaginary. So, take your left foot, put it on that line. Place your right foot on the line ahead of your left foot >> with the heel of your right foot against the toe of the left foot. >> Exactly. Yep. Exactly how I'm doing. >> Place your arms down at the side. >> Maintain this position until I complete the instructions. >> Okay. >> So, maintain that position for me. Would you like me to start over? >> Okay, I'll start. >> So, picture a straight line in front. >> Yep. >> Okay. Take your left foot, put it on that line. >> Take your right foot, >> put it in front, >> heel to toe touching. Place your arms down at the side. Maintain this position until I've completed the instructions. instruction that >> do not start to walk until I until you're told to do so. >> Okay. >> Do you understand the instructions so far? >> So, put my left foot down, my right foot down. I'm on the line and then I'm ready. >> When I tell you to start, take nine heel to toe steps on the line. turn and take nine heel to toe steps down the line. >> I'm going to demonstrate by doing three steps. >> Okay. >> When you turn, keep your front foot on the line and turn by taking a series of small steps with the other foot. >> I will demonstrate it for you. Okay. >> Yeah. >> While you are walking, keep your arms at your sides. Watch your feet at all times and count your steps out loud. Once you start walking, do not stop until you have completed the test. Do you understand the instructions? >> No, there's two. >> Okay. All right. So, take your left foot, >> put it on the line, the straight line, real or imaginary. >> Take your right foot. >> Left foot. Put the right foot in front. >> Left foot on the line. Right foot in front. Heel to toe touching. >> So, the rear. >> Yep. Heel to toe touching. >> Yep. Just like this. Left foot on the line, right foot directly in front of it, arms down at your side while she explains the rest of the instructions. >> Yep. >> Yep. >> All right. Place place your hand place your arms down at the sides. Okay. Keep your arms down at the side. Maintain this position until I have completed the instructions. Do not start to walk until I until you're told to do so. Do you understand the instructions so far? When I tell you to start, take nine heel to toe steps on the line. Turn and take nine heel to toe steps. >> Does that mean pressure? >> I will demonstrate for you. Okay. >> When you turn, keep the front lead foot on the line. >> And turn by taking a series of small steps with the other foot. >> Yep. >> I'm going to demonstrate with three. >> You will do nine. Okay. >> Okay. Sorry guys. Two back. >> Two. Three. >> I'm sorry. >> Sorry. My bad. You got >> You're going to use a series of small steps. >> One, two, three. >> One, two, three. Let me know if you need another demonstration. All right. So, three steps and then turn around. >> Would you like me to? >> Sure. >> Place your left foot on the line. Real or imaginary. Place your right foot on the line ahead of the left foot with the heel of your right foot against the toe of the left foot. I'm demonstrating for you. This is my left foot. I'm taking my right foot, putting it in front of my left. Heel to toe touching. Okay. >> So, you're going to take nine heel to toe steps on that line. >> You're going to take nine heel to toe steps back along that same line, keeping your front foot, lead foot forward. I can start over with the instructions if you would like, sir. >> Nine steps. Nine little toe steps. Sorry, sir. >> No. >> The third test is the one leg stand. Raise one foot about 6 in off the ground. Keep it parallel. Count out loud. 1001,002 until told to stop. Romo mentions he's had two back surgeries, and that's a fair thing to raise. It's also exactly why the officer asks about head injuries and hand injuries before starting. The tests are supposed to be administered only if the person is physically able. Otherwise, the results >> The next step is going to be the one leg stand. >> Okay. Please stand with your feet. >> Please stand with your feet together and your arms down at the side. Demonstrating it for you. Do not start the test until I tell you to do so. Do you understand? >> Yeah. >> Okay. Would you like me to read the first part over again? >> Please stand with your feet together, arms down at the side. Do not start the test until I tell you to do so. Do you understand? When I tell you to start, raise either leg >> with the foot approximately 6 in off the ground, keeping your foot parallel to the ground. Keep both legs straight and your arms down at the side. >> So, foot parallel to the ground. Okay. >> All right. Keep both legs straight and your arms down at the side holding that position. Count out loud in the following manner. 1,00 1,002 1,003 and so on until you are told to stop. Keep your arms at your sides at all times. >> And keep watching the raised foot. I'm going to demonstrate for you. Okay. >> And then you just tell me which foot you want to raise. Okay. I think I'm going to raise my right. >> Okay. approximately 6 in 1,00 1,002 1,003 1004 and so on until I tell you to stop. >> Okay. Got to tell you to begin. >> Do you understand? >> Yes. >> Okay. Which foot are you choosing to race? Trying to think about which one's stronger with all the actual relief. I'm done with all the back exercises, but uh feel like I should probably go with the left. I would say maybe the right. Now, we'll go with the we go with the left. >> Okay, >> I'm going to raise the right. So, I'm going to I'm going to use the left. >> Okay, maybe again. I know that was at least eight or nine seconds. By the way, I do this consistently every day, but >> the right >> going to be stopping the test on the left. I feel like Oh, sorry. You want me to go to the right? >> All right. >> Sorry. Um, sorry. >> And here's a big moment. The deputy asks Romo to take a preliminary breath test, the machine you blow into. Romo declines. And listen to his reason. I've heard from all the lawyers. Don't ever do that. That's actually sound legal advice, and it's his right. But here's what declining means. It doesn't end the case. It just changes the path. The deputy tells him, "You're under arrest for operating under the influence." And the handcuffs go >> willing to submit to a PBT. >> What is that >> machine that you blow in? >> It's a preliminary process. >> It does not determine the results of >> We're not doing that. >> I've heard from all lawyers, don't ever do that. >> Okay. >> So, >> all right. >> We're not going to do that. >> Okay. All right. Sir, >> did I pass this test? >> You turn around. >> No, I didn't. Can I use my phone real quick because there's a plane taking off. >> You're under arrest for Okay. >> operating under the influence. Okay. >> You can turn off. >> I read you a sheet and everything. Just put your shoes on, but I need you to turn off. >> Yep. >> Thank you. >> We'll get to that. We'll get to that. >> Do you need two cuffs, sir, or are you okay with one? >> One. Okay. >> Two with the back. >> Yeah. So, it gives you a little more armor. >> Well, the back. I'm saying that was uncomfortable. >> Okay. Would you like >> Would you want a second set? >> I don't know what that means. >> A little bit easier on your shoulder. >> We'll give you two. >> I don't know what that means. >> Two cups. Okay. >> We're just going to go a little bit easier on your shoulder. We saw you wider. >> Yeah. A little wider. A little easier on your shoulder. Okay. All right. >> Can I seriously call the parents over real quick and just tell them? >> We got some other stuff we got to get through first and then we'll we understand you got a child. I understand who you are. >> He's on a plane. >> I got you. And I understand who you are. We're going to try to make >> Yeah. >> I'm going to We're going to get >> We'll get you through this. Okay. >> Anyone able to search the mail, please? >> Yeah. >> I'm going to search one more time. Okay. >> Anything else on you? >> Yep. >> No. >> Nothing else on you? Okay. Nothing that's going to poke me, harm me, stick me, or anything like that. I think you're good. >> Okay. I just ask everybody that. >> All right. >> Now, back at the squad car, the deputy reads Romo what's called the informing the accused notice, Wisconsin's implied consent law. This is a legal script the officer has to read verbatim, and it explains the consequences. If he refuses the chemical test, his license can be revoked and the refusal can be used against him in court. Then the deputy asks the key question. Will you submit to an evidentiary chemical test? Romo's answer, no. Like I said, I want my lawyer for the eighth time. >> Mr. Romo, do you mind if I read you something? If I open if I open the door, you're not going to try to get out, are you? If you let me get out, I'd love to stretch. But >> well, can't you want me to do I'll do whatever you want me to do. >> You've already won the day. So, whatever you want. >> All right, sir. So, I have to re read you the informing the >> Is it possible for me to stand up while you do this? Just to get out of here for a second. >> I'm sorry. I really have had two back surgeries. I'm not. >> All right. So, how about this? So, I'll meet you halfway. I'll open the door. You can swing your legs out. That way, you're a little more comfortable. Okay. >> That's great. Thank you so much. >> You are a taller individual, so I'm willing to work with you. Just stay seated. Just like that, please. Okay. >> Thank you. >> Don't get up. Perfect. I don't want the door to hit you. >> All right. This is the informing the accused. Under Wisconsin's implied consent law, I'm required to read this notice to you. You've either been arrested for an event that involves driving or operating a motor vehicle after using alcohol or drugs or both. Or you are suspected of driving or being on duty time with respect to a commercial motor vehicle after using alcohol or drugs or both. This law enforcement agency now wants to test one or more samples of your breath, blood, or urine to determine the concentration of alcohol or drugs in your system. If any test shows more alcohol in your system than the law permits while driving or a detectable amount of a restricted control substance, your operating privilege will be suspended. If you refuse any requested test, your operating privilege will be revoked and you will be subject to other penalties. The test results or the fact that you refuse testing can be used against you in court. If you take all the requested test, you may also choose to take the alternative test that this law enforcement agency provides free of charge. >> What's that? >> You may also >> What's the alternative? >> You may also have a test conducted by a qualified person of your choice at your expense. >> You, however, >> I'll do that >> will have to make your own arrangements for that test. If you have a commercial driver's license or were operating a commercial motor vehicle, other consequences may result. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> From positive test results or from refusing testing such as being placed out of service or disqualified. >> Okay. >> Will you submit to an evidentary chemical test of your breath? >> No. Like I said, I want my lawyer. >> Okay. >> And this is the part most people don't know. The deputy explains. Because Roma refused, they'll now apply for a search warrant. A judge has to sign off and then they'll draw blood. So refusing the breath test doesn't mean no test happens. It means a judge has to authorize a blood draw instead. That's the consequence of Wisconsin's implied consent law. The case isn't over. It just moved into a different, more formal legal process. >> Okay. Uh, just have you swing back in here, kind of explain what the next steps are from here. Okay. >> So, since we refuse, which which is totally your right to do, okay, we we have to So, what we got to do is now is we got to apply for a search warrant, have a judge sign off on it. Okay. So, we're going to get a test on you. No, sir. That's that's that's >> So, and then once that's once that blood draw is complete, then we can look at getting you a phone call. possible to call parents just to tell them that >> I'm dead. >> We'll we will we will get to that. Okay. >> All right. >> I'm going to I'm going to buckle you up. Okay. If poss can you shimmy me forward a little bit? >> Do we really? >> All right. Can you lean back? >> Seriously. >> Yeah. Unfortunately. >> All right. All right. Won't be too much longer. Okay. >> So, here's the reality of what this footage shows. A by the book owi investigation from reasonable suspicion to probable cause to a lawful arrest and a suspect who knew his rights and used them. Roma was booked, released the same night, and is due in court on September 21st, 2026. First offense owi in Wisconsin is typically treated as a civil matter, but the body cam tells the full story the headlines never did. What do you think? Did the officers handle it by the book? Drop it in the comments.