🔗 Share this article

The NFL has imposed a substantial $250,000 penalty on Dallas Cowboys proprietor Jones for an action he describes as an “inadvertent” obscene gesture made toward attendees during a recent game at MetLife Stadium.

Viral video clips appeared to show Jones making an obscene gesture toward opposing supporters, but Jones insists he was actually giving a thumbs-up to Cowboys fans in attendance as his team secured a decisive win.

“It was unfortunate. It was kind of an interaction with our fans out in front of us,” Jones stated during a radio appearance. “There was a large group of Cowboys fans—not Jets fans, Cowboys fans. The whole venue was brimming with enthusiasm for the Cowboys.”

Jones additionally emphasized that the signal was entirely accidental, occurring amid the excitement following the team’s last score. “I simply put up the wrong finger,” he remarked. “The action was accidentally performed. This is sincere. Should you call it accidental, you can. But it got resolved rapidly.”

Historical Precedent for Proprietor Penalties

This is not the first time an NFL owner has been fined for inappropriate behavior. Recent cases include:

• Panthers proprietor Tepper was fined $300,000 for throwing a drink at spectators in January 2024.
• Then Titans proprietor Adams received a $250,000 fine in 2009 for a comparable offensive signal.

Jones, who is recognized for his media savvy, possesses an approximate net worth of $16 billion, so the fine easily payable for the wealthy proprietor.

Offseason Controversies and Media Spotlight

The incident comes after a contentious preseason for Jones, who encountered significant backlash from the Cowboys fanbase after the team traded key defensive player Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers.

Additionally, Jones was a central figure in a Netflix documentary that examined his influence in building the Dallas franchise into the world’s most valuable sports franchise, even with its modern-era title shortcomings.

The NFL’s decision to fine Jones highlights its continuing initiative to maintain professional conduct among all team officials, irrespective of their position or wealth.