Following a report in The New York Times claiming that Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas received a Super Bowl ring from Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, individuals close to Thomas have come forward to refute the allegations. According to them, the gift was actually a low-cost replica, not the expensive original. The article in The New York Times, titled “Where Clarence Thomas Entered an Elite Circle and Opened a Door to the Court,” highlighted Thomas’ association with the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, a group that Jones is part of. Within the article, it was mentioned that Jones had presented Thomas with a Super Bowl ring and that Thomas had attended the Cowboys’ training camp and watched a game from the owner’s box.
However, those in Thomas’ inner circle have made it clear that the ring in question was merely a replica and was used by Thomas as a paperweight. Mark Paoletta, who co-wrote a book about Thomas, is expecting an apology and a retraction from The New York Times for spreading false information. David Sokol, a member of the Horatio Alger Association who is acquainted with both Thomas and Jones, confirmed that the ring was indeed a replica. He criticized the growing trend of attacking conservative Supreme Court justices without having accurate facts.
The Dallas Morning News also covered the story, focusing on the value of authentic Super Bowl rings. Thomas’ office had already disclosed the gift from Jones on a 1994 ethics form submitted to the court. It’s worth noting that Thomas, as a Black conservative, often faces criticism from the left. This controversy highlights the challenges of accurate reporting, particularly when political biases come into play. The media’s continuous focus on Thomas and his actions underscores the intense scrutiny that conservative public figures must endure.