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The NFL has levied a hefty $250,000 penalty on Dallas Cowboys proprietor Jones for what he describes as an “unintentional” offensive hand signal directed at attendees during a recent game at MetLife Stadium.

Viral video clips seemed to capture Jones making an obscene gesture toward opposing supporters, though he insists he was actually giving a thumbs-up to Dallas supporters present at the game as his team clinched a decisive win.

“That was regrettable. It was kind of an exchange with our fans seated near me,” Jones explained during a Tuesday interview. “There was a large group of Cowboys fans—not New York fans, Cowboys fans. The entire stadium was filled with enthusiasm for the Cowboys.”

Jones additionally clarified that the gesture was completely accidental, happening amid the elation following the team’s last score. “I simply put up the incorrect finger,” he remarked. “It was accidentally performed. I’m not kidding. If you want to call it accidental, you can. But it got resolved pretty quick.”

League Context for Owner Fines

This incident isn’t the initial instance an league proprietor has been penalized for inappropriate behavior. Recent cases include:

• Panthers owner David Tepper was fined $300,000 for throwing a drink at fans in early 2024.
• Former Tennessee Titans owner Bud Adams received a $250,000 fine in 2009 for a comparable obscene gesture.

Jones, who is recognized for his media savvy, possesses an approximate net worth of around $16bn, so the penalty manageable for the wealthy proprietor.

Recent Controversies and Media Attention

This event follows a controversial offseason for Jones, who faced significant backlash from the Dallas supporters after the team traded key pass rusher Micah Parsons to the Packers.

Additionally, Jones was a central subject in a Netflix documentary that examined his influence in building 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 ongoing effort to uphold professional conduct among all team officials, irrespective of their status or wealth.