National Federation Of Blind Calls Out Jerry Jones For ‘Harmful’ Blind Ref Halloween Costume

The National Federation of the Blind called out Jerry Jones’ over his Halloween costume.

The Dallas Cowboys owner decided to use Halloween to poke fun at NFL referees and dressed up like a blind referee, wearing a ref shirt, large sunglasses and a white cane.

“Oh yeah, I had the cane and everything. And I used it on some people, too.” – Jerry Jones

The NFL prohibits certain types of criticism towards officials.

Does the #DallasCowboys owner deserve to be fined for his Halloween costume? 🤔

👻: https://t.co/0W6cPi9y8f pic.twitter.com/eAxInYmwb5

— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) November 2, 2022

According to TMZ Sports, National Federation of the Blind Director of Public Relations Chris Danielsen called it “unfortunate” that Jones implied blind people are “incompetent,” adding: “When anyone perpetuates that stereotype, it’s harmful.”

He could have been subject to punishment by the league for criticizing officials, but the NFL decided against disciplining him, per TMZ Sports.

Halloween costumes like Jerry Jones' "blind referee" play into stereotypes that the visually impaired are incompetent … so says the National Federation of the Blind. https://t.co/7e8gYsqEvf

— TMZ (@TMZ) November 3, 2022

Danielsen adds that Jones should consider the fact that he has blind fans: “He does have blind Cowboys fans. They show up at games and put on headsets or listen on the radio. It may be something for him to think about.”