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The NFL has levied a hefty $250,000 fine on Dallas Cowboys proprietor Jones for what he claims was an “inadvertent” offensive hand signal made toward attendees during a Sunday’s contest at MetLife Stadium.

Viral video clips appeared to show Jones making an obscene gesture toward opposing supporters, though he insists he was actually signaling approval to Dallas supporters present at the game as his team secured a decisive win.

“That was unfortunate. It was kind of an exchange with Cowboys supporters out in front of us,” Jones explained during a Tuesday interview. “There was a large group of Dallas supporters—not New York fans, Cowboys fans. The entire stadium was filled with excitement for the Dallas team.”

Jones additionally clarified that the gesture was completely accidental, occurring amid the excitement following the team’s final touchdown. “I just showed the incorrect finger,” he remarked. “The action was accidentally done. I’m not kidding. If you want to call it unplanned, you can. But it got resolved pretty quick.”

League Context for Proprietor Penalties

This is not the first time an NFL owner has been penalized for misconduct. Previous cases involve:

• Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper was penalized $300K for throwing a drink at fans in early 2024.
• Then Titans proprietor Adams was issued a $250,000 penalty in 2009 for a comparable offensive signal.

Jones, who is known for his publicity flair, reportedly has an estimated net worth of around $16bn, so the penalty manageable for the billionaire owner.

Offseason Issues and Media Attention

This event comes after a controversial offseason for Jones, who encountered widespread criticism from the Dallas supporters after the team dealt star defensive player Parsons to the Green Bay Packers.

Moreover, Jones was a prominent subject in a Netflix documentary that examined his influence in building the Cowboys into the world’s most valuable athletic organization, despite its modern-era championship drought.

The league’s decision to fine Jones underscores its continuing initiative to maintain proper behavior among all team officials, regardless of their status or financial standing.