🔗 Share this article Cowboys Owner Jones Fined $250,000 for ‘Inadvertent’ Offensive Signal at Spectators The NFL has levied a substantial $250,000 penalty on Cowboys proprietor Jones for what he describes as an “inadvertent” obscene gesture made toward attendees during a recent game at the Jets’ stadium. Viral video clips appeared to show Jones flashing his middle finger toward opposing supporters, but Jones insists he was actually giving a thumbs-up to Cowboys fans in attendance as his team clinched a decisive win. “It was unfortunate. That was essentially an interaction with our fans out in front of us,” Jones explained during a Tuesday interview. “Present was a swarm of Dallas supporters—not New York fans, our fans. The entire stadium was brimming with enthusiasm for the Cowboys.” Jones additionally clarified that the signal was entirely accidental, occurring amid the excitement following the team’s last score. “I simply showed the incorrect digit,” he noted. “It was accidentally performed. I’m not kidding. If you want to call it unplanned, you can. However, it got corrected rapidly.” Historical Context for Proprietor Fines This incident isn’t the first time an league proprietor has been fined for inappropriate behavior. Previous cases include: Panthers proprietor Tepper was penalized $300K for tossing a beverage at fans in early 2024. Former Tennessee Titans owner Bud Adams received a $250,000 fine in 2009 for a comparable offensive signal. Jones, a figure who is recognized for his publicity flair, reportedly has an estimated wealth of around $16bn, making the fine manageable for the wealthy proprietor. Recent Controversies and Public Spotlight The incident comes after a contentious preseason for Jones, who encountered widespread backlash from the Dallas supporters after the team traded key pass rusher Parsons to the Green Bay Packers. Moreover, Jones was a central figure in a Netflix documentary that examined his role in building the Cowboys into the world’s highest-worth athletic organization, despite 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 status or wealth.