🔗 Share this article Dallas Cowboys Proprietor Jerry Jones Fined $250,000 for ‘Inadvertent’ Obscene Gesture at Fans The NFL has levied a hefty $250,000 fine on Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones for an action he claims was an “inadvertent” obscene gesture made toward fans during a Sunday’s game at MetLife Stadium. Widely circulated footage appeared to show Jones flashing his middle finger at Jets fans, but Jones maintains he was actually giving a thumbs-up to Cowboys fans in attendance as his team secured a 37-22 victory. “That was regrettable. That was kind of an exchange with Cowboys supporters out in front of us,” Jones explained during a radio appearance. “There was a large group of Dallas supporters—not New York fans, Cowboys fans. The entire stadium was brimming with excitement for the Dallas team.” Jones additionally clarified that the signal was entirely unintentional, occurring amid the excitement following the team’s last score. “I just put up the wrong finger,” he noted. “The action was inadvertently done. I’m not kidding. If you want to call it accidental, you can. But it got resolved rapidly.” League Precedent for Owner Penalties This incident isn’t the first time an league proprietor has been fined for misconduct. Previous cases involve: Panthers proprietor Tepper was penalized $300K for throwing a drink at spectators in January 2024. Former Titans proprietor Adams received a $250,000 penalty in 2009 for a similar offensive signal. Jones, a figure who is known for his publicity flair, reportedly has an estimated net worth of around $16bn, making the penalty easily payable for the wealthy owner. Recent Issues and Public Attention This event follows a contentious offseason for Jones, who encountered widespread criticism from the Dallas supporters after the team traded key pass rusher Parsons to the Green Bay Packers. Additionally, Jones was a prominent subject in a streaming series that explored his role in building the Dallas franchise into the globe’s highest-worth sports franchise, even with its modern-era championship drought. The NFL’s action to penalize Jones underscores its ongoing effort to maintain professional conduct among all team officials, regardless of their position or financial standing.