Cowboys owner Jerry Jones uses offensive term, receives pushback

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones had plenty to say in his first press conference of training camp, but turned heads when using an offensive term for little people. His response to a question about former Director of College and Pro Scouting Larry Lacewell landed him in hot water.

The late Lacewell was a longtime Cowboys staff and worked alongside Jones for many years. In thinking about the impact on the franchise, he chose to use the m-word and sparked backlash for doing so.

“Lace held court out here,” Jones said. “I’m going to get me somebody, a m*****, to stand up there with me and dress him up like Lace and think Lace is still out here helping us. Look at the practice with us.”

According to reports, Jones also made a hand gesture while speaking to indicate his preference for someone small in stature.

The m-word as been ruled a derogatory term by the Little People of America nearly a decade ago and the use sparked a series of internet jokes from comedian Brian Williams.

Brian Williams responds to Jerry Jones

A comedian and little person, Brian Williams took the opportunity to launch two jokes at Jerry Jones. While he identifies in his comment that the remark offended him, the comedian took things in stride before flipping the table.

“When someone offends you, it’s important to have empathy and find common ground,” Williams said. “Jerry and I have a lot in common. For instance, we both haven’t won a Super Bowl in over 25 years.”

Williams added, “I would only be offended if he called me a Cowboy fan.”

Jones, at 79-years old, has been at the center of multiple NFL storylines over his tenure both good and bad. However, he remains among the most popular and outspoken owners in the league.