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The NFL has levied a hefty $250,000 penalty on Cowboys proprietor Jones for what he describes as an “inadvertent” obscene gesture directed at attendees during a Sunday’s contest at MetLife Stadium.

Widely circulated footage seemed to capture Jones making an obscene gesture toward opposing supporters, though he insists he was actually signaling approval to Cowboys fans in attendance as his team clinched a decisive win.

“It was regrettable. That was kind of an interaction with Cowboys supporters out in front of us,” Jones stated during a radio appearance. “There was a large group of Dallas supporters—not Jets fans, Cowboys fans. The whole venue was filled with excitement for the Dallas team.”

He further emphasized that the signal was completely accidental, happening amid the elation following the team’s last score. “I simply put up the incorrect finger,” he noted. “The action was inadvertently done. This is sincere. Should you call it accidental, you can. However, it got corrected pretty quick.”

Historical Precedent for Owner Penalties

This incident isn’t the initial instance an NFL owner has been fined for misconduct. Recent examples involve:

• Carolina Panthers proprietor Tepper was fined $300,000 for throwing a drink at fans in early 2024.
• Then Tennessee Titans proprietor Adams received a $250,000 penalty in 2009 for a similar offensive signal.

Jones, who is recognized for his publicity flair, reportedly has an approximate net worth of $16 billion, making the fine manageable for the billionaire owner.

Offseason Issues and Public Spotlight

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

Moreover, Jones was a central subject in a streaming series that examined his influence in developing the Cowboys into the globe’s most valuable athletic organization, despite its modern-era title shortcomings.

The league’s action to penalize Jones underscores its continuing effort to uphold proper behavior among all team officials, regardless of their position or wealth.