🔗 Share this article Cowboys Proprietor Jones Penalized $250,000 for ‘Accidental’ Obscene Gesture at Spectators The NFL has imposed a substantial $250,000 fine on Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones for an action he describes as an “inadvertent” offensive hand signal made toward attendees during a recent contest at the Jets’ stadium. Widely circulated footage appeared to show Jones making an obscene gesture at Jets fans, though he maintains he was actually giving a thumbs-up to Cowboys fans in attendance as his team clinched a 37-22 victory. “It was unfortunate. That was essentially an interaction with Cowboys supporters seated near me,” Jones stated during a radio appearance. “There was a large group of Dallas supporters—not Jets fans, our fans. The entire stadium was filled with enthusiasm for the Cowboys.” He further emphasized that the gesture was entirely accidental, occurring amid the elation following the team’s final touchdown. “I just put up the wrong finger,” he noted. “The action was inadvertently done. I’m not kidding. Should you call it accidental, you can. But it got resolved rapidly.” League Context for Proprietor Fines This is not the first time an NFL owner has been fined for misconduct. Previous cases include: Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper was fined $300,000 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, a figure who is known for his publicity flair, reportedly has an estimated wealth of $16 billion, so the fine easily payable for the billionaire owner. Offseason Issues and Public Attention The incident follows a controversial preseason for Jones, who faced widespread criticism from the Cowboys fanbase after the team traded key pass rusher Parsons to the Packers. Moreover, Jones was a prominent subject in a streaming series that explored his influence in building the Dallas franchise into the world’s highest-worth athletic organization, despite its modern-era title shortcomings. The league’s decision to fine Jones underscores its continuing initiative to maintain professional conduct among all team officials, irrespective of their position or wealth.