When CBS Sports signed Tony Romo to a 10-year, $180 million contract in 2020, a top sports media executive called me immediately after and said, “This is the worst contract in media history.”It may end up being just that.CBS has called a timeout on the deal following Romo’s arrest for operating a vehicle while intoxicated. Following the arrest has been a steady drip of new information, including 45 minutes’ worth of multi-angle video of the traffic stop, including a citation for an open container of alcohol that contradicted Romo saying he had no drinks.The network decided to press pause on Romo, announcing he “is on leave from his role at CBS until further notice.” They elevated J.J. Watt to team with Jim Nantz in the network’s No. 1 NFL booth. CBS offered no further comment.Romo’s contract calls for him to receive a nearly implausible $72 million over the next four years, but he is going to have to make quite a case to get his top job back.It’s not impossible, but it is going to take some work.CBS clearly does not want the cloud of his recent arrest to shade its most important property, the NFL. In less than two weeks, it has its NFL seminar for on-air talent and production staff, which includes a session in front of the media. Romo was supposed to be there.On Sept. 13th, CBS’s first Sunday of the regular season, its premier matchup is between the Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers. Romo was supposed to be there.On Sept. 21th, Romo’s court case in Wisconsin is scheduled.On Sept. 27, CBS’ late-afternoon, marquee game is from Brazil between the Dallas Cowboys and Baltimore Ravens. Romo was supposed to be there.Right now, CBS doesn’t want Romo any of these places.Romo could still make a comeback, but he is going to have to put in a lot of work, both off- and on-air. (Photo by Noam Galai/Getty Images)If he misses the first month of the season, when does he return? How does he return? With CBS slated to air a Super Bowl in February 2028, would he have any chance then? His poor performance in recent seasons is a factor here.