🔗 Share this article Cowboys Owner Jones Penalized $250,000 for ‘Inadvertent’ Obscene Gesture at Spectators The NFL has imposed a hefty $250,000 fine on Cowboys proprietor Jones for an action he claims was an “unintentional” obscene gesture directed at fans during a Sunday’s contest at the Jets’ stadium. Widely circulated footage seemed to capture Jones flashing his middle finger toward opposing supporters, but Jones insists he was actually signaling approval to Cowboys fans present at the game as his team clinched a decisive win. “It was regrettable. It was essentially an exchange with our fans out in front of us,” Jones explained during a Tuesday interview. “Present was a swarm of Dallas supporters—not Jets fans, Cowboys fans. The whole venue was filled with enthusiasm for the Cowboys.” He further emphasized that the signal was entirely accidental, occurring amid the excitement following the team’s final touchdown. “I just put up the wrong digit,” he remarked. “It was accidentally done. I’m not kidding. If you want to call it accidental, you can. But it got corrected rapidly.” Historical Precedent for Proprietor Penalties This incident isn’t the first time an NFL owner has been penalized for inappropriate behavior. Recent examples include: Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper was fined $300,000 for throwing a drink at fans in early 2024. Then Titans owner Bud Adams received a $250,000 fine in 2009 for a comparable offensive signal. Jones, a figure who is known for his publicity flair, reportedly has an estimated net worth of around $16bn, making the fine easily payable for the billionaire proprietor. Recent Issues and Public Spotlight The incident comes after a controversial offseason for Jones, who encountered widespread backlash from the Dallas supporters after the team traded star pass rusher Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers. Additionally, Jones was a prominent figure in a streaming series that explored his role in building the Dallas franchise into the world’s highest-worth sports franchise, even with its modern-era championship drought. The NFL’s decision to fine Jones highlights its ongoing effort to uphold professional conduct among all franchise representatives, regardless of their position or wealth.