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The NFL has levied a hefty $250,000 fine on Dallas Cowboys proprietor Jones for what he claims was an “inadvertent” obscene gesture directed at fans during a Sunday’s contest at MetLife Stadium.

Widely circulated footage appeared to show Jones making an obscene gesture at Jets fans, but Jones maintains he was actually giving a thumbs-up to Cowboys fans present at the game as his team secured a 37-22 victory.

“It was regrettable. That was essentially an interaction with our fans seated near me,” Jones stated during a Tuesday interview. “Present was a large group of Dallas supporters—not New York fans, our fans. The whole venue was filled with enthusiasm for the Dallas team.”

He further emphasized that the gesture was entirely accidental, occurring amid the excitement following the team’s final touchdown. “I just put up the incorrect finger,” he noted. “The action was inadvertently performed. This is sincere. Should you call it accidental, you can. But it got corrected pretty quick.”

League Context for Owner Penalties

This is not the initial instance an NFL owner has been penalized for misconduct. Recent cases involve:

• Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper was fined $300,000 for tossing a beverage at spectators in January 2024.
• Then Titans owner Bud Adams received a $250,000 penalty in 2009 for a similar offensive signal.

Jones, who is known for his publicity flair, possesses an approximate net worth of $16 billion, so the penalty easily payable for the billionaire owner.

Offseason Controversies and Public Attention

The incident comes after a controversial preseason for Jones, who faced widespread criticism from the Cowboys fanbase after the team dealt key defensive player Parsons to the Packers.

Moreover, Jones was a prominent figure in a Netflix documentary that examined his influence in building the Dallas franchise into the world’s highest-worth athletic organization, even with its recent title shortcomings.

The league’s decision to fine Jones highlights its ongoing initiative to maintain professional conduct among all franchise representatives, irrespective of their status or wealth.