🔗 Share this article

The NFL has levied a substantial $250,000 fine on Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones for what he claims was an “inadvertent” offensive hand signal made toward attendees during a recent contest at the Jets’ stadium.

Widely circulated footage appeared to show Jones making an obscene gesture at Jets fans, but Jones maintains he was actually signaling approval to Dallas supporters present at the game as his team secured a decisive win.

“It was regrettable. It was kind of an interaction with our fans seated near me,” Jones stated during a radio appearance. “Present was a swarm of Cowboys fans—not New York fans, our fans. The whole venue was filled with excitement for the Cowboys.”

Jones additionally clarified that the signal was completely accidental, happening amid the elation following the team’s last score. “I simply showed the wrong digit,” he remarked. “It was inadvertently performed. I’m not kidding. If you want to call it unplanned, you can. However, it got corrected rapidly.”

League Precedent for Proprietor Fines

This is not the initial instance an league proprietor has been penalized for inappropriate behavior. Recent examples include:

• Panthers owner David Tepper was fined $300,000 for tossing a beverage at fans in early 2024.
• Former Tennessee Titans proprietor Adams received a $250,000 fine in 2009 for a similar offensive signal.

Jones, who is recognized for his media savvy, reportedly has an estimated net worth of $16 billion, so the penalty manageable for the wealthy proprietor.

Recent Issues and Public Attention

The incident comes after a controversial preseason for Jones, who encountered significant backlash from the Cowboys fanbase after the team dealt star defensive player Parsons to the Packers.

Additionally, Jones was a prominent figure in a streaming series that examined his influence in building the Dallas franchise into the globe’s highest-worth athletic organization, even with its modern-era title shortcomings.

The NFL’s decision to fine Jones highlights its ongoing effort to maintain proper behavior among all team officials, regardless of their position or financial standing.