🔗 Share this article Cowboys Proprietor Jerry Jones Penalized $250,000 for ‘Inadvertent’ Offensive Signal at Spectators The National Football League has levied a hefty $250,000 fine on Cowboys proprietor Jones for an action he claims was an “unintentional” obscene gesture made toward attendees during a recent contest at the Jets’ stadium. Widely circulated footage seemed to capture Jones flashing his middle finger at Jets fans, though he insists he was actually giving a thumbs-up to Cowboys fans in attendance as his team clinched a decisive win. “That was regrettable. It was essentially an exchange with Cowboys supporters seated near me,” Jones stated during a Tuesday interview. “There was a large group of Cowboys fans—not Jets fans, Cowboys fans. The entire stadium was filled with enthusiasm for the Dallas team.” Jones additionally clarified that the signal was completely accidental, occurring amid the elation following the team’s final touchdown. “I just put up the incorrect digit,” he noted. “The action was inadvertently done. This is sincere. If you want to call it accidental, you can. But it got resolved rapidly.” Historical Precedent for Owner Penalties This is not the first time an NFL owner has been fined for misconduct. Previous cases involve: Panthers owner David Tepper was fined $300,000 for tossing a beverage at spectators in January 2024. Then Tennessee Titans owner Bud Adams was issued a $250,000 penalty in 2009 for a similar obscene gesture. Jones, who is known for his publicity flair, possesses an estimated net worth of $16 billion, so the penalty manageable for the billionaire owner. Recent Controversies and Media Attention This event comes after a contentious offseason for Jones, who encountered widespread backlash from the Cowboys fanbase after the team traded star defensive player Micah Parsons to the Packers. Moreover, Jones was a prominent subject in a Netflix documentary that examined his influence in building the Cowboys into the world’s highest-worth athletic organization, even with its recent title shortcomings. The NFL’s decision to fine Jones highlights its ongoing effort to uphold proper behavior among all team officials, regardless of their position or financial standing.