Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones issues apology for using offensive term

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones gathered the media in Oxford for a press conference on Tuesday and ended up landing himself in some hot water. The long-time general manager issued an apology on Tuesday night after he used an offensive term for little people.

“Earlier today I made a reference which I understand may have been viewed as offensive,” Jones said in a statement. “I apologize.”

His snafu was in a 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 member 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 was 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. Most recently, the Cowboys owner was at the center of a now-dropped lawsuit regarding the paternity of a 25-year-old Texas woman. However, he remains among the most popular and outspoken owners in the league.

On3’s James Fletcher contributed to this report.