🔗 Share this article Cowboys Proprietor Jerry Jones Fined $250,000 for ‘Accidental’ Obscene Gesture toward Fans The NFL has levied a hefty $250,000 fine on Dallas Cowboys proprietor Jones for an action he describes as an “unintentional” offensive hand signal directed at attendees during a Sunday’s contest at MetLife Stadium. Widely circulated footage appeared to show Jones making an obscene gesture at Jets fans, though he maintains he was actually giving a thumbs-up to Cowboys fans present at the game as his team secured a decisive win. “It was unfortunate. It was essentially an exchange with Cowboys supporters seated near me,” Jones explained during a radio appearance. “There was a large group of Dallas supporters—not New York fans, Cowboys fans. The entire stadium was filled with enthusiasm for the Dallas team.” Jones additionally emphasized that the signal was completely unintentional, occurring amid the elation following the team’s final touchdown. “I simply showed the incorrect digit,” he noted. “It was inadvertently performed. This is sincere. If you want to call it accidental, you can. However, it got resolved rapidly.” Historical Context for Proprietor Fines This is not the initial instance an league proprietor has been fined for misconduct. Recent examples include: Carolina Panthers proprietor Tepper was penalized $300K for throwing a drink at spectators in early 2024. Then Tennessee Titans owner Bud Adams was issued a $250,000 fine in 2009 for a comparable offensive signal. Jones, who is known for his media savvy, reportedly has an estimated wealth of around $16bn, so the penalty manageable for the billionaire proprietor. Offseason Controversies and Media Attention The incident comes after a contentious offseason for Jones, who faced significant backlash from the Cowboys fanbase after the team dealt key pass rusher Parsons to the Packers. Moreover, Jones was a prominent subject in a streaming series that explored his influence in developing the Dallas franchise into the world’s most valuable sports franchise, even with its modern-era title shortcomings. The league’s action to penalize Jones underscores its ongoing initiative to maintain professional conduct among all team officials, irrespective of their position or financial standing.