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The NFL has imposed a hefty $250,000 fine on Cowboys proprietor Jones for what he describes as an “unintentional” obscene gesture directed at attendees during a Sunday’s contest at the Jets’ stadium.

Widely circulated footage appeared to show Jones flashing his middle finger toward opposing supporters, though he insists he was actually signaling approval to Cowboys fans present at the game as his team secured a decisive win.

“It was unfortunate. It was essentially an interaction with our fans out in front of us,” Jones explained during a Tuesday interview. “Present was a large group of Cowboys fans—not Jets fans, our fans. The whole venue was brimming with enthusiasm for the Dallas team.”

Jones additionally emphasized that the signal was entirely accidental, happening amid the excitement following the team’s final touchdown. “I simply put up the wrong finger,” he noted. “The action was accidentally performed. I’m not kidding. Should you call it accidental, you can. However, it got corrected pretty quick.”

League Precedent for Proprietor Fines

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

• Carolina Panthers proprietor Tepper was penalized $300K for tossing a beverage at spectators in January 2024.
• Former Titans owner Bud Adams was issued a $250,000 fine in 2009 for a similar offensive signal.

Jones, who is known for his publicity flair, possesses an estimated wealth of $16 billion, so the fine manageable for the billionaire owner.

Recent Controversies and Media Spotlight

This event follows a controversial preseason for Jones, who faced significant criticism from the Dallas supporters after the team traded star defensive player Micah Parsons to the Packers.

Additionally, Jones was a central subject in a streaming series that explored his role in building the Dallas franchise into the world’s highest-worth sports franchise, despite its recent title shortcomings.

The NFL’s decision to fine Jones highlights its continuing initiative to uphold professional conduct among all franchise representatives, irrespective of their position or financial standing.