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The National Football League has imposed a substantial $250,000 fine on Cowboys proprietor Jones for an action he describes as an “inadvertent” offensive hand signal directed at attendees during a Sunday’s game at MetLife Stadium.

Viral video clips seemed to capture Jones making an obscene gesture toward opposing supporters, though he insists he was actually giving a thumbs-up to Cowboys fans in attendance as his team secured a decisive win.

“That was unfortunate. It was essentially an interaction with our fans seated near me,” Jones stated during a radio appearance. “Present was a swarm of Dallas supporters—not New York fans, Cowboys fans. The whole venue was brimming with excitement for the Dallas team.”

He further clarified that the gesture was entirely unintentional, happening amid the excitement following the team’s last score. “I simply put up the wrong finger,” he noted. “The action was inadvertently performed. This is sincere. Should you call it unplanned, you can. But it got corrected rapidly.”

Historical Precedent for Owner Penalties

This incident isn’t the first time an NFL owner has been fined for misconduct. Previous cases involve:

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

Jones, a figure who is recognized for his publicity flair, possesses an approximate wealth of $16 billion, so the fine manageable for the billionaire owner.

Recent Controversies and Public Spotlight

The incident comes after a controversial preseason for Jones, who faced significant backlash from the Cowboys fanbase after the team dealt key pass rusher Micah Parsons to the Packers.

Additionally, Jones was a prominent subject in a Netflix documentary that explored his influence in building the Cowboys into the globe’s highest-worth athletic organization, even with its modern-era championship drought.

The league’s decision to fine Jones underscores its continuing effort to uphold proper behavior among all franchise representatives, regardless of their position or wealth.