Jessica Simpson and Tony Romo's reported split has prompted inevitable gossip over the cause of the break-up, with John Mayer and the singer's father Joe being named as possible third-party trouble-makers!

RadarOnline reports that Tony dumped his girl on the eve of her 29th birthday because he found texts from her ex John Mayer on her mobile.

“They were hanging out and he picked up her phone and she got defensive about it,” says a source. “Tony found messages from John and went ballistic.”

“Tony dumped her right then. He walked out and that was it.”

Another report claims that Tony had finally had enough of Jess's "meddling" father Joe.

“Joe’s meddling ways most likely took its toll on the relationship, which is the reason why they split the first time 14 months ago,” says a source quoted by Fox News.

“Joe promised he’d take a step back when the couple reunited but he was still too involved.

The insider adds: “At one point Joe was even giving Tony football advice which doesn’t go down well.”

“It was a long time coming, he hasn’t really been into her and the relationship for awhile, but stayed together because he didn’t want to look like a jerk for not having a better reason to break it off."

“She is trying to save face by saying that it’s because of their busy schedules.”