Jordan Love's Blind-Referee Costume Could Cost Him

Jordan Love's Halloween costume may draw a reaction from the NFL. The Packers quarterback and his wife dressed as blind referees less than a week after a loss in which several Packers players openly complained about the officiating.

The costume

Love and his wife, Ronika Stone, wore sunglasses and carried walking sticks. They both threw a flag after bumping into each other. Stone shared a video on her TikTok account.

It came six days after a 20-17 loss to the Lions on Oct. 25, in which several controversial calls went against Green Bay. Safety Xavier McKinney was among the players who complained openly about the officiating. The NFL fined McKinney $25,000 for his comments.

Coach Matt LaFleur was asked about the costume on Thursday. He said Love sent him the clip and that he found it "pretty hilarious", then added that he should probably keep his own views to himself. When a TikTok commenter said Love might be fined, Stone replied: "We're Footlocker employees."

Why a fine is possible

CBS Sports argues that the line does not hold up, because the flags make clear who they were mocking. It also points to precedent. Last year Puka Nacua was fined $25,000 for criticizing officials on a podcast on his own time. For a player who criticizes an official, the fine starts at $25,000, so a fine for Love, if there were one, would be at least that.

The wider mood adds to the risk. Tension between players and officials has been serious this year, and two officials each sat out one game after clashing with a player. Coaches have also been punished. In October, Patriots coach Mike Vrabel, Eagles coach Nick Sirianni and Jets coach Aaron Glenn each received a $250,000 fine for their conduct toward game officials.

What the league may do

CBS Sports says the NFL is probably not thrilled to see such a prominent player in this costume, and that LaFleur's comments could also draw attention. —

Source: CBS Sports