What began as an ordinary rush-hour traffic stop has become a rapidly escalating legal crisis for former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo.

Newly released police citations allege that officers discovered an open bottle of alcohol inside Romo’s black Jeep after his July 23 arrest in Wisconsin. The finding adds another troubling layer to a case already involving allegations of impaired driving, unsafe passing and refusal to submit to a post-arrest intoxication test.

Romo, now one of CBS Sports’ most recognizable NFL analysts, has not publicly addressed the incident. He is scheduled to appear in court on September 21.

The case remains pending, and the citations contain allegations rather than findings of guilt. But each new detail is intensifying scrutiny of the 46-year-old broadcaster and former football star.

According to records released by the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office, Romo was stopped at approximately 5:30 p.m. on July 23 after an officer allegedly saw him use a marked distress lane to pass vehicles during heavy traffic.

The citation states that he then crossed a marked gore area—a section of roadway separating traffic lanes—to reach his intended route. When the officer explained the reason for the stop, Romo reportedly appeared unsure what a gore was.

That traffic violation resulted in a $235 fine, according to the citation.

But the encounter soon moved beyond a disputed lane change.

An officer reportedly observed that Romo had red, glassy eyes and said an odor of alcohol was coming from him. Police subsequently took him into custody on suspicion of operating while under the influence.

Body-camera footage previously released to the media showed Romo telling officers that he had been at a golf course and was heading “to visit grandma and grandpa” when he was pulled over.

The contrast between that seemingly ordinary explanation and what followed has made the footage particularly striking.

After Romo’s Jeep was prepared for towing, a deputy conducted an inventory of the vehicle. During that process, police say an open bottle containing an alcoholic beverage was located on the passenger side.

Romo received a citation for allegedly possessing an open intoxicant inside a motor vehicle, carrying a reported fine of $267.

His most serious citation was for operating while under the influence. The listed financial penalty for that alleged first offense was $1,066.

Romo was transported to a police station, where officers administered several field sobriety tests. Reports describing the footage claimed that he struggled during those examinations, though any final judgment about impairment will be determined through the legal process.

The former quarterback also refused to take a breath test.

“I’ve heard from all the lawyers, don’t ever do that,” Romo told an officer, according to the released footage. “So, we’re not going to do that.”

Court records indicate he was later cited separately for refusing an intoxication test after arrest. Such a refusal can carry consequences independent of the underlying OWI allegation under Wisconsin law.

Taken together, the allegations create a deeply uncomfortable picture for one of football’s most polished television personalities.

Romo spent his entire playing career with the Cowboys, developing from an undrafted prospect into the face of one of the NFL’s most famous franchises. Although he never reached a Super Bowl, his improvisational play and dramatic late-game performances made him one of the league’s most discussed quarterbacks.

After retiring, Romo achieved another level of success in broadcasting. His ability to anticipate plays before they unfolded earned widespread praise and helped secure his position as a leading NFL commentator.

Now, the man celebrated for reading defenses is facing questions about his own judgment away from the broadcast booth.

The potential consequences could extend beyond the fines listed in the citations. High-profile sports broadcasters depend heavily on credibility, public trust and relationships with corporate sponsors. Even without a criminal conviction, damaging footage and unanswered allegations can create significant professional pressure.

CBS had not issued a statement in the material provided, and it remains unclear whether Romo’s broadcasting duties could be affected.

There are also unanswered questions about the alleged bottle. Police records cited in the report described it as open and containing an alcoholic beverage, but additional details about the container, its contents and any testing were not included.

Romo will have the opportunity to contest the citations, challenge the officers’ conclusions and present his account in court. Until then, he is entitled to the presumption of innocence.

But silence becomes harder to maintain as documents and video continue emerging.

A traffic maneuver allegedly made during rush hour led to a police stop. That stop led to observations of possible impairment. The arrest led to field tests, a refused breath test and the towing of Romo’s Jeep.

Then officers searched the vehicle—and found the detail that transformed an already serious incident into a growing scandal.

For Romo, the next decisive moment will not unfold beneath stadium lights or inside a broadcast booth.

It will unfold in court.