🔗 Share this article Dallas Cowboys Owner Jones Penalized $250,000 for ‘Accidental’ Offensive Signal at Spectators The NFL has imposed a hefty $250,000 penalty on Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones for an action he describes as an “unintentional” obscene gesture directed at fans during a Sunday’s contest at the Jets’ stadium. Widely circulated footage seemed to capture Jones making an obscene gesture at Jets fans, though he insists he was actually signaling approval to Dallas supporters present at the game as his team secured a 37-22 victory. “It was unfortunate. It was essentially an exchange with Cowboys supporters seated near me,” Jones stated during a radio appearance. “Present was a large group of Dallas supporters—not New York fans, our fans. The whole venue was brimming with excitement for the Cowboys.” Jones additionally emphasized that the gesture was completely accidental, occurring amid the elation following the team’s final touchdown. “I just put up the incorrect finger,” he noted. “It was accidentally performed. This is sincere. If you want to call it unplanned, you can. But it got corrected rapidly.” League Context for Owner Fines This incident isn’t the first time an NFL owner has been fined for inappropriate behavior. Recent cases include: Panthers owner David Tepper was fined $300,000 for throwing a drink at fans in January 2024. Former Tennessee Titans owner Bud Adams received a $250,000 fine in 2009 for a comparable obscene gesture. Jones, a figure who is known for his media savvy, possesses an estimated net worth of $16 billion, so the fine manageable for the wealthy proprietor. Offseason Controversies and Public Attention This event follows a controversial preseason for Jones, who faced significant backlash from the Dallas supporters after the team traded key pass rusher Parsons to the Packers. Additionally, Jones was a central subject in a Netflix documentary that explored his role in developing the Cowboys into the globe’s most valuable athletic organization, even with its recent championship drought. The NFL’s action to penalize Jones highlights its continuing initiative to maintain proper behavior among all franchise representatives, irrespective of their position or financial standing.