🔗 Share this article Dallas Cowboys Proprietor Jones Fined $250,000 for ‘Inadvertent’ Obscene Gesture toward Fans The NFL has levied a hefty $250,000 penalty on Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones for an action he describes as an “unintentional” obscene gesture made toward attendees during a recent contest at MetLife Stadium. Viral video clips seemed to capture Jones flashing his middle finger at Jets fans, though he maintains he was actually giving a thumbs-up to Dallas supporters present at the game as his team clinched a decisive win. “It was regrettable. That was essentially an interaction with our fans seated near me,” Jones explained during a radio appearance. “Present was a swarm of Cowboys fans—not New York fans, our fans. The whole venue was brimming with enthusiasm for the Cowboys.” Jones additionally emphasized that the signal was entirely unintentional, occurring amid the elation following the team’s final touchdown. “I simply showed the wrong digit,” he remarked. “The action was inadvertently performed. I’m not kidding. If you want to call it accidental, you can. However, it got resolved rapidly.” Historical Precedent for Proprietor Fines This is not the initial instance an league proprietor has been penalized for inappropriate behavior. Recent cases involve: Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper was fined $300,000 for tossing a beverage at fans in January 2024. Former Titans proprietor Adams received a $250,000 penalty in 2009 for a similar obscene gesture. Jones, who is recognized for his publicity flair, possesses an estimated wealth of around $16bn, so the penalty easily payable for the billionaire proprietor. Offseason Issues and Public Attention This event comes after a contentious preseason for Jones, who encountered significant backlash from the Dallas supporters after the team dealt key defensive player Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers. Additionally, Jones was a central figure in a Netflix documentary that explored his influence in developing the Cowboys into the globe’s highest-worth sports franchise, despite its modern-era championship drought. The NFL’s action to penalize Jones underscores its continuing effort to maintain proper behavior among all franchise representatives, irrespective of their status or financial standing.