🔗 Share this article

The National Football League has levied a substantial $250,000 penalty on Cowboys proprietor Jones for what he claims was an “inadvertent” obscene gesture directed at attendees during a Sunday’s game at MetLife Stadium.

Widely circulated footage appeared to show Jones making an obscene gesture at Jets fans, though he maintains he was actually giving a thumbs-up to Dallas supporters in attendance as his team clinched a 37-22 victory.

“It was unfortunate. That was essentially an exchange with Cowboys supporters seated near me,” Jones explained during a Tuesday interview. “There was a swarm 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 entirely accidental, occurring amid the elation following the team’s last score. “I just put up the incorrect finger,” he remarked. “The action was inadvertently performed. This is sincere. Should you call it unplanned, you can. However, it got resolved rapidly.”

League Context for Owner Fines

This is not the initial instance an league proprietor has been penalized for inappropriate behavior. Recent examples include:

• Panthers proprietor Tepper was penalized $300K for throwing a drink at spectators in early 2024.
• Then Tennessee Titans owner Bud Adams was issued a $250,000 penalty in 2009 for a similar obscene gesture.

Jones, a figure who is recognized for his publicity flair, reportedly has an estimated wealth of around $16bn, so the fine easily payable for the wealthy proprietor.

Offseason Issues and Media Spotlight

This event comes after a controversial offseason for Jones, who faced significant backlash from the Cowboys fanbase after the team traded key pass rusher Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers.

Additionally, Jones was a prominent subject in a streaming series that examined his influence in developing the Dallas franchise into the world’s highest-worth sports franchise, even with its modern-era title shortcomings.

The league’s decision to fine Jones highlights its continuing effort to uphold professional conduct among all team officials, regardless of their status or financial standing.