Why did Jerry Jones say he gave Judge Clarence Thomas a Dallas Cowboys Super Bowl ring?
Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has never been one to run from a fight or from a controversy.
So a couple weeks after it was revealed that Jones gave Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas a Cowboys a Super Bowl ring in a New York Times report on judge’s questionable associations with the wealthy and powerful, Jones unabashedly defended his decision.
Thomas, a long-time Cowboys fan who met Jones when Thomas filmed a PSA for the Dallas Cowboys, was given a ring following the Cowboys’ 31-13 victory against the Buffalo Bills in Super Bowl XXVIII.
“He did the awarding of the rings for us that year,” Jones said in Oxnard, Calif., on Tuesday, a day before the Cowboys take the practice field for training camp. “And, of course, it was always so special that when he had his hearing when he was being evaluated about being a Supreme Court Justice he talked about his affection for the Cowboys.
“I know he was inspirational to our team. He would speak to us when we went to Washington. And so it was an honor for him to give the rings out that year and for me to award him one.”
Jones said he has given no other rings to government officials or politicians.
“He’s a Supreme Court justice. I think, I don’t know if I go as far as a politician,” Jones said.
Jones also downplayed any possible conflicts of interest and chance he could catch a break from Thomas if he ever had any business before the Supreme Court.
“Well, let’s put it like this. I stay before the Supreme Court. They make decisions for America,” Jones said. “We all stay before the Supreme Court by it’s makeup. It does a pretty good job representing us all.”
Thomas has been the subject of public scrutiny for his relationship with billionaires such as Harlan Crow.
Per the article, Thomas has ridden on Jones’ private jet, attended Cowboys training camp.
Jones and Thomas are both members of the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, a non-profit group that honors the achievements of Americans who have succeeded in spite of adversity.
This story was originally published July 25, 2023 at 2:55 PM.
