Let's remove stigma: ex-NRL referee Michael Jones breaks silence on HIV

By Steve Mascord
Updated October 23 2016 - 12:08pm, first published 10:15am
Former NRL referee Michael Jones has spoken for the first time about his HIV status. Photo: Wolter Peeters
Former NRL referee Michael Jones has spoken for the first time about his HIV status. Photo: Wolter Peeters
Jones (in red shirt) lost his boyfriend Stephen to AIDS-related illness. Photo: Supplied
Jones (in red shirt) lost his boyfriend Stephen to AIDS-related illness. Photo: Supplied
Jones refereeing his 100th and last NRL game in 2008. Photo: Supplied
Jones refereeing his 100th and last NRL game in 2008. Photo: Supplied

When professional punter Eddie Hayson sent a homophobic text message to Herald reporter Andrew Webster in September, Michael Jones recalls thinking: "What a goose."