🔗 Share this article Dallas Cowboys Owner Jones Penalized $250,000 for ‘Inadvertent’ Offensive Signal at Fans The National Football League has imposed a hefty $250,000 penalty on Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones for an action he describes as an “unintentional” obscene gesture made toward attendees during a recent contest at the Jets’ stadium. Viral video clips seemed to capture Jones making an obscene gesture toward opposing supporters, though he maintains he was actually giving a thumbs-up to Cowboys fans in attendance as his team secured a decisive win. “It was regrettable. That was kind of an exchange with our fans out in front of us,” Jones explained during a radio appearance. “There was a large group of Dallas supporters—not Jets fans, Cowboys fans. The whole venue was filled with excitement for the Cowboys.” Jones additionally clarified that the signal was completely accidental, occurring amid the excitement following the team’s final touchdown. “I simply put up the incorrect finger,” he noted. “The action was inadvertently done. I’m not kidding. If you want to call it accidental, you can. However, it got resolved rapidly.” League Precedent for Proprietor Penalties This is not the first time an NFL owner has been penalized for misconduct. Recent examples include: Carolina Panthers proprietor Tepper was fined $300,000 for tossing a beverage at fans in early 2024. Former Titans owner Bud Adams was issued a $250,000 penalty in 2009 for a similar offensive signal. Jones, a figure who is known for his publicity flair, possesses an estimated wealth of around $16bn, making the penalty manageable for the billionaire owner. Recent Issues and Media Spotlight This event follows a contentious offseason for Jones, who encountered significant backlash from the Dallas supporters after the team traded star pass rusher Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers. Additionally, Jones was a prominent figure in a streaming series that explored his influence in building the Cowboys into the globe’s most valuable sports franchise, even with its recent title shortcomings. The league’s action to penalize Jones underscores its continuing initiative to maintain proper behavior among all team officials, regardless of their status or financial standing.