Arlington, Texas – June 16, 2025 – In a move that’s sparking fierce debate across sports, tech, and civil rights communities, Stephen Jones, Executive Vice President and CEO of the Dallas Cowboys, has announced that certain public figures closely associated with LGBT activism, including Apple CEO Tim Cook, will be barred from participating in official appearances or sponsored events at AT&T Stadium during the 2025 NFL season.

The announcement came during a closed-door media briefing at Cowboys HQ, and the contents of the statement were later confirmed by team officials.

Stephen Jones: “We’re here to play football, not politics.”

When asked to elaborate on the controversial measure, Stephen Jones gave a short but pointed response:

“AT&T Stadium is a football arena, not a platform for political or social activism.”

The Cowboys’ executive declined further questions but emphasized that the team’s priority for 2025 will be to “reconnect with the fans and focus strictly on the game.”

Public backlash begins — and support follows

The response was instant and polarizing. Within minutes of the announcement, social media exploded with trending hashtags like #BannedFromATT, #CowboysControversy, and #TimCookResponse.

Reactions across the spectrum:

• Tim Cook has not yet responded directly, but a senior Apple executive stated: “Exclusion has never built anything of lasting value.”

• GLAAD: “We are stunned. Discrimination dressed as ‘neutrality’ is still discrimination.”

• Tomi Lahren (political commentator): “Bravo to the Cowboys for putting football first.”

Sponsors and the NFL face mounting pressure

The Cowboys are the most valuable franchise in the NFL, but this decision could put lucrative sponsorships at risk. Brands like PepsiCo, Ford, and AT&T—longtime sponsors with strong diversity policies—are now under pressure to respond or re-evaluate partnerships.

The NFL has not issued an official statement, but insiders say league leadership is “closely monitoring” the situation due to the potential impact on its image and business relations.

AT&T Stadium under fire in a divided America

Located in Texas, a state already at the center of multiple cultural debates, AT&T Stadium has become a flashpoint in the ongoing national conversation about identity, sports, and the limits of free expression in private institutions.

While some fans are applauding the move as a return to “pure football,” others warn that excluding prominent LGBT figures sends a dangerous message of intolerance.