🔗 Share this article Dallas Cowboys Proprietor Jerry Jones Penalized $250,000 for ‘Inadvertent’ Offensive Signal toward Fans The NFL has imposed a hefty $250,000 fine on Cowboys proprietor Jones for an action he describes as an “inadvertent” obscene gesture directed at attendees during a recent game at MetLife Stadium. Viral video clips appeared to show Jones making an obscene gesture toward opposing supporters, though he insists he was actually giving a thumbs-up to Dallas supporters in attendance as his team clinched a 37-22 victory. “That was regrettable. That was kind of an interaction with our fans seated near me,” Jones stated during a Tuesday interview. “Present was a swarm of Dallas supporters—not Jets fans, our fans. The entire stadium was filled with enthusiasm for the Cowboys.” He further clarified that the gesture was entirely unintentional, occurring amid the elation following the team’s final touchdown. “I simply put up the incorrect digit,” he remarked. “It was inadvertently done. I’m not kidding. If you want to call it accidental, you can. But it got corrected rapidly.” League Context for Proprietor Penalties This incident isn’t the initial instance an NFL owner has been penalized for misconduct. Recent cases include: Panthers proprietor Tepper was penalized $300K for throwing a drink at fans in January 2024. Then Tennessee Titans owner Bud Adams received a $250,000 fine in 2009 for a comparable obscene gesture. Jones, a figure who is recognized for his media savvy, possesses an estimated net worth of around $16bn, so the penalty easily payable for the wealthy owner. Offseason Controversies and Media Attention The incident comes after a controversial preseason for Jones, who faced significant criticism from the Cowboys fanbase after the team traded star pass rusher Micah Parsons to the Packers. Moreover, Jones was a prominent subject in a streaming series that explored his role in building the Dallas franchise into the world’s highest-worth sports franchise, despite its recent title shortcomings. The league’s action to penalize Jones underscores its continuing effort to maintain professional conduct among all franchise representatives, irrespective of their status or financial standing.