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

Widely circulated footage seemed to capture Jones flashing his middle finger at Jets fans, but Jones insists he was actually giving a thumbs-up to Dallas supporters in attendance as his team clinched a decisive win.

“It was unfortunate. It was essentially an exchange with our fans seated near me,” Jones explained during a radio appearance. “Present was a large group of Dallas supporters—not New York fans, Cowboys fans. The whole venue was brimming with enthusiasm for the Cowboys.”

Jones additionally emphasized that the gesture was completely unintentional, happening amid the excitement following the team’s final touchdown. “I just put up the wrong finger,” he noted. “It was inadvertently performed. I’m not kidding. If you want to call it unplanned, you can. But it got corrected rapidly.”

Historical Precedent for Owner Fines

This is not the first time an league proprietor has been fined for inappropriate behavior. Previous examples include:

• Panthers proprietor Tepper was fined $300,000 for throwing a drink at spectators in early 2024.
• Former Tennessee Titans proprietor Adams was issued a $250,000 penalty in 2009 for a similar obscene gesture.

Jones, a figure who is known for his media savvy, reportedly has an approximate net worth of around $16bn, so the fine easily payable for the wealthy owner.

Offseason Issues and Public Spotlight

This event comes after a controversial offseason for Jones, who faced widespread criticism from the Cowboys fanbase after the team dealt key pass rusher Parsons to the Packers.

Additionally, Jones was a prominent figure in a streaming series that examined his role in developing the Dallas franchise into the world’s most valuable athletic organization, even with its modern-era championship drought.

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