🔗 Share this article

The NFL has imposed a substantial $250,000 penalty on Dallas Cowboys proprietor Jones for what he claims was an “inadvertent” offensive hand signal directed at fans during a recent contest at the Jets’ stadium.

Widely circulated footage appeared to show Jones making an obscene gesture at Jets fans, but Jones insists he was actually signaling approval to Cowboys fans present at the game as his team secured a 37-22 victory.

“It was unfortunate. That was kind of an exchange with Cowboys supporters out in front of us,” Jones stated during a radio appearance. “There was a swarm of Dallas supporters—not Jets fans, Cowboys fans. The entire stadium was filled with enthusiasm for the Cowboys.”

He further emphasized that the signal was entirely unintentional, happening amid the excitement following the team’s last score. “I just put up the incorrect finger,” he noted. “The action was inadvertently performed. This is sincere. If you want to call it unplanned, you can. However, it got resolved pretty quick.”

League Context for Proprietor Penalties

This is not the first time an league proprietor has been fined for misconduct. Previous cases involve:

• Panthers owner David Tepper was fined $300,000 for tossing a beverage at fans in January 2024.
• Former Tennessee Titans proprietor Adams received a $250,000 penalty in 2009 for a comparable offensive signal.

Jones, who is recognized for his publicity flair, reportedly has an estimated wealth of $16 billion, so the fine easily payable for the wealthy owner.

Recent Controversies and Public Spotlight

The incident comes after a contentious preseason for Jones, who encountered significant backlash from the Cowboys fanbase after the team traded star pass rusher Parsons to the Packers.

Additionally, Jones was a prominent subject in a streaming series that explored his role in building the Dallas franchise into the world’s highest-worth sports franchise, even with its recent title shortcomings.

The league’s action to penalize Jones underscores its ongoing initiative to maintain proper behavior among all team officials, irrespective of their status or financial standing.