🔗 Share this article Cowboys Proprietor Jerry Jones Fined $250,000 for ‘Accidental’ Obscene Gesture at Fans The NFL has imposed a hefty $250,000 penalty on Dallas Cowboys proprietor Jones for what he claims was an “inadvertent” obscene gesture made toward fans 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 giving a thumbs-up to Cowboys fans present at the game as his team secured a decisive win. “That was unfortunate. It was kind of an exchange with Cowboys supporters seated near me,” Jones stated during a Tuesday interview. “Present was a swarm of Dallas supporters—not Jets fans, our fans. The entire stadium was filled with enthusiasm for the Dallas team.” He further clarified that the signal was completely accidental, occurring amid the elation following the team’s last score. “I simply showed the wrong digit,” he remarked. “The action was inadvertently done. I’m not kidding. If you want to call it accidental, you can. However, it got corrected rapidly.” League Context for Owner Fines This is not the first time an NFL owner has been fined for inappropriate behavior. Recent examples include: Carolina Panthers proprietor Tepper was fined $300,000 for tossing a beverage at fans in January 2024. Former Titans proprietor Adams received a $250,000 penalty in 2009 for a comparable obscene gesture. Jones, who is known for his media savvy, reportedly has an estimated net worth of around $16bn, so the penalty easily payable for the wealthy proprietor. Offseason Controversies and Media Attention The incident comes after a contentious preseason for Jones, who encountered significant backlash from the Dallas supporters after the team traded star pass rusher Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers. Moreover, Jones was a prominent subject in a Netflix documentary that examined his role in building the Cowboys into the globe’s highest-worth athletic organization, even with its modern-era championship drought. The league’s decision to fine Jones underscores its ongoing effort to uphold professional conduct among all franchise representatives, irrespective of their status or wealth.