Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones sparked controversy when he spoke to reporters about the team’s decision to hire Brian Schottenheimer as its next head coach. Jones’ comments, rather than his defense of the decision, drew attention. When asked about the team’s fans’ reactions to the news, Jones said, “There’s a very low percentage of this that is smiles and glory holes. Very low percentage.”
The term “glory hole” has two common references: an unkempt storage place or a hole in the wall used for sexual exploitation. However, Jones claimed to be referring to an open quarry, which is also used in the oil and gas industry to protect equipment from icebergs or packs of ice. Jones made his fortune in the oil and gas industry before purchasing the Cowboys in 1989.
This is not the first time Jones has referenced “glory holes.” In 2012, he said, “I’ve been here when it was glory hole days, and I’ve been here when it wasn’t. Having said that, I want me some glory hole.” When phrased like that, the Cowboys have not found any glory holes since the mid-1990s, when they last won the Super Bowl and were considered America’s Team.