🔗 Share this article Dallas Cowboys Owner Jones Fined $250,000 for ‘Inadvertent’ Obscene Gesture toward Fans The NFL has levied a substantial $250,000 penalty on Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones for what he claims was an “inadvertent” obscene gesture made toward fans during a recent game at MetLife Stadium. Viral video clips seemed to capture Jones flashing his middle finger at Jets fans, but Jones insists he was actually giving a thumbs-up to Cowboys fans present at the game as his team clinched a 37-22 victory. “It was regrettable. It was essentially an interaction with Cowboys supporters seated near me,” Jones explained during a radio appearance. “Present was a swarm of Dallas supporters—not New York fans, Cowboys fans. The entire stadium was filled with enthusiasm for the Dallas team.” He further emphasized that the signal was entirely unintentional, occurring amid the elation following the team’s final touchdown. “I simply showed the wrong digit,” he noted. “The action was inadvertently performed. This is sincere. If you want to call it accidental, you can. However, it got corrected pretty quick.” League Context for Proprietor Fines This is not the first time an NFL owner has been penalized for misconduct. Recent examples include: Carolina Panthers proprietor Tepper was fined $300,000 for throwing a drink at spectators in early 2024. Former Tennessee Titans owner Bud Adams was issued a $250,000 penalty in 2009 for a similar obscene gesture. Jones, a figure who is recognized for his publicity flair, possesses an estimated net worth of $16 billion, making the penalty easily payable for the billionaire owner. Recent Issues and Media Attention This event follows a controversial preseason for Jones, who faced widespread criticism from the Cowboys fanbase after the team dealt star defensive player Micah Parsons to the Packers. Moreover, Jones was a prominent figure in a Netflix documentary that examined his influence in developing the Cowboys into the world’s highest-worth sports franchise, despite its recent title shortcomings. The NFL’s action to penalize Jones highlights its continuing effort to uphold proper behavior among all franchise representatives, regardless of their status or wealth.