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Jerry Jones criticized for Halloween costume
Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones before the game against the Detroit Lions at AT&T Stadium. Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Jerry Jones criticized for Halloween costume

 The National Federation of the Blind criticized Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones over his Halloween costume this year in which he dressed as a blind NFL referee.

The public relations director of the NFB, Chris Danielsen, told TMZ Sports, "when anyone perpetuates that stereotype, it's harmful." He also mentioned the fact that "nearly 70 [percent] of blind people are unemployed," per TMZ Sports.

On the surface, poking fun at referees for making horrendous calls and "not seeing" certain penalties that should be called isn't insidious. 

Implying that referees don't perform at an appropriate level because they have a physical impairment isn't a great look - particularly for the most famous owner in the NFL -- and it rubbed Danielsen the wrong way.

Danielsen called the costume "unfortunate" due to the fact "it leans into the underlying stereotype that blind people are 'incompetent.'" (h/t TMZ Sports)

Their report also mentions despite the NFL routinely fining players, coaches, and owners for criticizing officials, the league office declined to issue any penalty to Jones for his critique of NFL officials.

To avoid a repeat of his misguided costume, perhaps next year Jones could dress up as something not based in reality, something no one has seen in Dallas in nearly three decades. He could dress as a Lombardi Trophy.

Eric Smithling

Eric Smithling is a writer based in New Orleans, LA, whose byline also appears on Athlon Sports. He has been with Yardbarker since September 2022, primarily covering the NFL and college football, but also the NBA, WNBA, men’s and women’s college basketball, NHL, tennis and golf. He holds a film studies degree from the University of New Orleans

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