🔗 Share this article Cowboys Owner Jones Penalized $250,000 for ‘Inadvertent’ Obscene Gesture toward Fans The National Football League has levied a hefty $250,000 fine on Cowboys proprietor Jones for what he claims was an “inadvertent” obscene gesture made toward fans during a recent game at MetLife Stadium. Viral video clips seemed to capture Jones flashing his middle finger toward opposing supporters, but Jones maintains he was actually signaling approval to Cowboys fans in attendance as his team clinched a 37-22 victory. “It was unfortunate. That was kind of an interaction with our fans out in front of us,” Jones explained during a radio appearance. “Present was a large group of Cowboys fans—not Jets fans, our fans. The entire stadium was brimming with enthusiasm for the Dallas team.” He further emphasized that the gesture was completely accidental, happening amid the excitement following the team’s final touchdown. “I simply put up the wrong finger,” he noted. “It was accidentally performed. This is sincere. Should you call it accidental, you can. However, it got resolved rapidly.” League Precedent for Proprietor Fines This incident isn’t the initial instance an league proprietor has been penalized for misconduct. Previous cases involve: Carolina Panthers proprietor Tepper was penalized $300K for tossing a beverage at spectators in January 2024. Former Tennessee Titans owner Bud Adams received a $250,000 penalty in 2009 for a comparable offensive signal. Jones, who is known for his media savvy, possesses an estimated net worth of around $16bn, making the penalty manageable for the billionaire owner. Recent Issues and Public Spotlight The incident follows a contentious preseason for Jones, who faced significant criticism from the Cowboys fanbase after the team traded key defensive player Parsons to the Green Bay Packers. Additionally, Jones was a prominent figure in a streaming series that explored his role in developing the Dallas franchise into the world’s highest-worth sports franchise, despite its modern-era championship drought. The NFL’s action to penalize Jones underscores its ongoing effort to uphold proper behavior among all team officials, regardless of their status or wealth.