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The NFL has imposed a substantial $250,000 fine on Cowboys proprietor Jones for an action he describes as an “unintentional” obscene gesture directed at fans during a recent contest at MetLife Stadium.

Widely circulated footage seemed to capture Jones flashing his middle finger toward opposing supporters, though he insists he was actually signaling approval to Dallas supporters in attendance as his team secured a decisive win.

“That was regrettable. It was kind of an exchange with our fans seated near me,” Jones explained during a Tuesday interview. “Present was a swarm of Dallas supporters—not New York fans, Cowboys fans. The entire stadium was brimming with excitement for the Dallas team.”

Jones additionally emphasized that the gesture was completely accidental, happening amid the excitement following the team’s final touchdown. “I simply showed the incorrect digit,” he remarked. “The action was accidentally performed. I’m not kidding. Should you call it unplanned, you can. But it got resolved rapidly.”

Historical Precedent for Proprietor Fines

This incident isn’t the initial instance an NFL owner has been penalized for inappropriate behavior. Recent cases involve:

• Panthers proprietor Tepper was penalized $300K for throwing a drink at fans in January 2024.
• Former Tennessee Titans owner Bud Adams was issued a $250,000 fine in 2009 for a similar offensive signal.

Jones, a figure who is known for his media savvy, possesses an approximate wealth of $16 billion, so the fine manageable for the billionaire proprietor.

Offseason Controversies and Media Attention

The incident comes after a contentious preseason for Jones, who encountered significant backlash from the Dallas supporters after the team traded star defensive player Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers.

Moreover, Jones was a prominent subject in a streaming series that explored his influence in building the Dallas franchise into the globe’s most valuable sports franchise, despite its recent championship drought.

The league’s decision to fine Jones underscores its continuing effort to uphold professional conduct among all team officials, irrespective of their status or wealth.