NFL Cowboys Owner Offends Little People; Apology Comes Up Short

You just have to watch every word you say these days, don’t you? You literally never know which marginalized group you might offend, after all there are so many of them!

Even jokes are now off limits. I can see perhaps, if you are making fun of someone to be mean, or attempting to belittle a person because of a physical characteristic, but a joke? Come on, where does it stop?

Even terminology that was once considered appropriate can now be taboo. How can you know? The rules change so quickly in the rush to be offended that we can’t always be sure.

Recently Dallas Cowboy owner Jerry Jones got into a bit of a pickle because of outdated terminology. He’s old, give him a break. What did he say? I’ll give you a little hint. Let’s go to Outkick for a short explanation:

What was intended to be a light-hearted joke has landed Cowboys owner Jerry Jones in deep water with Little People of America, or “LPA” — regarded as the largest dwarfism support organization in the world.

The cause for contention stems from a comment Jones made from Cowboys training camp on Tuesday. Speaking with media members, Jones addressed the offseason passing of the team’s longtime Director of College and Pro Scouting, Larry Lacewell.

“Lace held court out here,” Jones said of Lacewell, who passed in May at age 85. “I’m going to get me somebody, a m*dget, 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.”

Outspoken conservative billionaire Jerry Jones apologizing because the Little People of America got offended by his use of the word “midget” is a very sad data point in the story of America’s decline https://t.co/sLhL2s8Byq

— Brent Scher (@BrentScher) July 27, 2022

The Little People of America, or “LPA” for short, immediately called out Jones for the joke. What started as a small tribute to a departed member of the organization turned into big deal, fast.

Jones was not being mean, nor was he degrading anyone in particular. He was using terminology that has been socially acceptable pretty much all of his life. Would it have been better if he had said he was going to dress up a little person, rather than midget? The sentiment is exactly the same, but the Lollipop Guild is hung up on the WORD. That was mean. See my point?  See the difference?

Upon hearing of his comments, the LPA immediately spoke up and demanded an apology from Dallas’ 79-year-old owner.

“M*dget is a term that has widely been known to be derogatory for years and should be common knowledge to anyone in the public arena, such as Jerry Jones,” the LPA said in a statement released on their website.

I’m surprised to see the LPA NOT spell midget. After all it’s their word, just like another certain word I won’t even allude to that belongs to the black community.

It hasn’t been that long ago the word midget was even on a car. The MG Midget roadster ran from 1961 to 1979. I don’t recall much outcry over that. Such enlightened times we live in, no?

“Ignorance at this point is simply not an excuse,” added the LPA.” Any use of this disparaging slur along with suggestions or insinuations that our stature exists for amusement is deplorable and inexcusable.”

The organization later went on to add: “Little People of America is asking Jerry Jones to issue an apology and vow to use appropriate terminology rooted in respect and dignity going forward.”

I’m sorry LPA, if we are to take you seriously, you are going to have to stop a few things. Midget wrestling for one. Also, if you all could stop looking so damn adorable that would help too. And yes, ignorance IS an excuse! There just aren’t enough hours in the day to learn everything we can’t say these days.

I see where Jerry Jones had to apologize for using the word Midget. I had a dog once named Midget. I guess if I had him now I would have to change his name to little people, or little dog. I need a book of every word that offends everybody.

— Georgia Country. (@glenregret) July 27, 2022

On Tuesday evening, LPA got their wish and received a public apology from Jones, who stated: “Earlier today I made a reference which I understand may have been viewed as offensive. I apologize.”

There it is! The LPA got their apology, and all is now well with the world. Let’s not be mad at Jerry Jones, he didn’t mean to look down on anybody, he just didn’t know better.