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The National Football League has levied a substantial $250,000 fine on Dallas Cowboys proprietor Jones for an action he describes as an “inadvertent” obscene gesture directed at attendees during a Sunday’s contest at MetLife Stadium.

Viral video clips appeared to show Jones making an obscene gesture toward opposing supporters, though he maintains he was actually giving a thumbs-up to Dallas supporters present at the game as his team secured a decisive win.

“That was regrettable. It was essentially an exchange with Cowboys supporters out in front of us,” Jones stated during a Tuesday interview. “There was a large group of Cowboys fans—not New York fans, our fans. The entire stadium was filled with enthusiasm for the Cowboys.”

Jones additionally emphasized that the gesture was entirely unintentional, occurring amid the elation following the team’s final touchdown. “I just put up the incorrect digit,” he noted. “The action was inadvertently performed. I’m not kidding. If you want to call it accidental, you can. However, it got corrected pretty quick.”

League Precedent for Owner Fines

This incident isn’t the first time an NFL owner has been penalized for inappropriate behavior. Recent cases involve:

• Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper was fined $300,000 for throwing a drink at fans in January 2024.
• Former Tennessee Titans owner Bud Adams received a $250,000 penalty in 2009 for a similar offensive signal.

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

Offseason Controversies and Public Spotlight

The incident comes after a controversial offseason for Jones, who encountered significant backlash from the Dallas supporters after the team dealt star defensive player Parsons to the Green Bay Packers.

Moreover, Jones was a central subject in a Netflix documentary that explored his influence in building the Cowboys into the globe’s most valuable athletic organization, even with its modern-era championship drought.

The NFL’s decision to fine Jones underscores its continuing initiative to maintain professional conduct among all team officials, regardless of their position or financial standing.