🔗 Share this article Cowboys Proprietor Jones Fined $250,000 for ‘Accidental’ Obscene Gesture toward Fans The NFL has levied a substantial $250,000 penalty on Dallas Cowboys proprietor Jones for what he describes as an “inadvertent” offensive hand signal directed at attendees during a recent contest at MetLife Stadium. Viral video clips appeared to show Jones making an obscene gesture toward opposing supporters, though he maintains he was actually giving a thumbs-up to Dallas supporters in attendance as his team clinched a 37-22 victory. “That was regrettable. It was kind of an interaction with Cowboys supporters out in front of us,” Jones explained during a Tuesday interview. “There was a swarm of Cowboys fans—not Jets fans, Cowboys fans. The whole venue was brimming with enthusiasm for the Cowboys.” He further clarified that the signal was completely unintentional, happening amid the excitement following the team’s final touchdown. “I simply showed the incorrect finger,” he noted. “The action was accidentally performed. I’m not kidding. If you want to call it unplanned, you can. However, it got corrected pretty quick.” Historical Context for Proprietor Penalties This is not the first time an league proprietor has been penalized for inappropriate behavior. Previous cases include: Panthers owner David Tepper was fined $300,000 for throwing a drink at spectators in January 2024. Then 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 approximate wealth of $16 billion, so the penalty easily payable for the billionaire proprietor. Recent Issues and Media Spotlight The incident comes after a controversial offseason for Jones, who encountered significant criticism from the Dallas supporters after the team traded star defensive player Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers. Moreover, Jones was a central figure in a Netflix documentary that explored his role in developing the Dallas franchise into the globe’s most valuable sports franchise, even with its modern-era championship drought. The league’s action to penalize Jones underscores its ongoing initiative to uphold proper behavior among all franchise representatives, regardless of their status or financial standing.