Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love could face a fine from the NFL after he and his wife, Ronika Stone, dressed as blind referees for Halloween. The costume, posted on Stone's TikTok account, featured walking sticks, sunglasses, and the couple throwing penalty flags after bumping into each other. The incident comes less than a week after the Packers' 20-17 loss to the Detroit Lions on October 25, a game that included several controversial calls against Green Bay.
Following that loss, safety Xavier McKinney openly criticized the officiating, calling it "bullshit a lot of the times." The NFL fined McKinney $25,000 for those comments. The league has a history of penalizing players and coaches who criticize officials, even on personal platforms. Last year, Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua was fined $25,000 for criticizing officials during a podcast interview.
Packers head coach Matt LaFleur was asked about Love's costume at a press conference and called it "pretty hilarious," though he added he should refrain from further comment. LaFleur's remarks were made during an official team availability, which could expose him to a fine as well. Earlier this season, New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel, Philadelphia Eagles coach Nick Sirianni, and New York Jets coach Aaron Glenn each received $250,000 fines for conduct toward game officials.
The minimum fine for a player who criticizes an official is $25,000. Given the clear reference to officiating in Love's costume and the timing so soon after the Lions game, the NFL may view it as a violation of its policy against public criticism of referees.
