Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love and his wife Ronika Stone dressed as blind referees for Halloween, complete with walking sticks, sunglasses, and penalty flags, days after the team lost to the Detroit Lions amid controversial officiating.
The costume appears to mock NFL officials, especially after safety Xavier McKinney was fined $25,000 for criticizing referees following the Week 7 loss on Oct. 25. The NFL has a precedent of fining players for off-field comments about officiating, such as Puka Nacua's $25,000 fine last year for a podcast interview.
Packers coach Matt LaFleur called the costume "hilarious" during a press conference but declined further comment, aware of the league's sensitivity. The NFL has also fined head coaches Mike Vrabel, Nick Sirianni, and Aaron Glenn $250,000 each for conduct toward officials this season.
If the league decides to act, Love could face a minimum $25,000 fine for criticizing officials, even on personal time. The situation underscores ongoing tension between players, coaches, and officials in the 2024 season.
