🔗 Share this article Cowboys Owner Jones Fined $250,000 for ‘Inadvertent’ Obscene Gesture toward Spectators The National Football League has imposed a hefty $250,000 fine on Dallas Cowboys proprietor Jones for an action he describes as an “unintentional” offensive hand signal made toward fans during a recent game at MetLife Stadium. Viral video clips seemed to capture Jones flashing his middle finger at Jets fans, but Jones maintains he was actually signaling approval to Dallas supporters in attendance as his team secured a decisive win. “That was regrettable. It was essentially an exchange with our fans out in front of us,” Jones stated during a Tuesday interview. “Present was a swarm of Dallas supporters—not New York fans, Cowboys fans. The entire stadium was filled with enthusiasm for the Dallas team.” He further emphasized that the signal was completely accidental, happening amid the excitement following the team’s last score. “I simply showed the wrong digit,” he noted. “It was accidentally performed. This is sincere. Should you call it unplanned, you can. But it got resolved rapidly.” Historical Precedent for Owner Penalties This incident isn’t the first time an NFL owner has been penalized for misconduct. Recent cases include: Carolina Panthers proprietor Tepper was penalized $300K for tossing a beverage at fans in January 2024. Former Titans owner Bud Adams received a $250,000 penalty in 2009 for a similar obscene gesture. Jones, who is recognized for his media savvy, possesses an estimated net worth of $16 billion, so the penalty manageable for the billionaire owner. Offseason Controversies and Public Attention This event comes after a contentious preseason for Jones, who faced widespread criticism from the Cowboys fanbase after the team traded key defensive player Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers. Moreover, Jones was a prominent figure in a streaming series that explored his influence in developing the Dallas franchise into the world’s highest-worth athletic organization, despite its recent championship drought. The league’s decision to fine Jones highlights its continuing initiative to uphold professional conduct among all franchise representatives, irrespective of their status or wealth.