🔗 Share this article Dallas Cowboys Proprietor Jones Fined $250,000 for ‘Inadvertent’ Obscene Gesture at Fans The National Football League has imposed a hefty $250,000 penalty on Dallas Cowboys proprietor Jones for what he claims was an “inadvertent” obscene gesture directed at attendees during a Sunday’s contest at MetLife Stadium. Widely circulated footage appeared to show Jones making an obscene gesture at Jets fans, but Jones maintains he was actually giving a thumbs-up to Dallas supporters in attendance as his team secured a 37-22 victory. “It was regrettable. It was kind of an interaction with our fans out in front of us,” Jones explained during a Tuesday interview. “Present was a swarm of Cowboys fans—not Jets fans, Cowboys fans. The entire stadium was filled with excitement for the Cowboys.” Jones additionally clarified that the gesture was entirely unintentional, happening amid the elation following the team’s last score. “I simply showed the incorrect digit,” he noted. “It was inadvertently performed. This is sincere. Should you call it accidental, you can. But it got corrected rapidly.” League Precedent for Owner Penalties This incident isn’t the initial instance an NFL owner has been fined for inappropriate behavior. Recent cases include: Carolina Panthers proprietor Tepper was penalized $300K for throwing a drink at fans in January 2024. Then Tennessee Titans proprietor Adams was issued a $250,000 penalty in 2009 for a comparable offensive signal. Jones, who is recognized for his publicity flair, reportedly has an estimated net worth of around $16bn, so the penalty easily payable for the wealthy owner. Recent Issues and Public Attention The incident follows a contentious preseason for Jones, who faced widespread backlash from the Dallas supporters after the team dealt key defensive player Parsons to the Packers. Additionally, Jones was a central figure in a streaming series that explored his influence in building the Dallas franchise into the globe’s highest-worth athletic organization, even with its recent championship drought. The league’s action to penalize Jones highlights its continuing effort to maintain professional conduct among all team officials, irrespective of their status or financial standing.