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The NFL has imposed a substantial $250,000 fine on Cowboys owner Jerry Jones for an action he claims was an “inadvertent” obscene gesture directed at attendees during a Sunday’s game at MetLife Stadium.

Widely circulated footage seemed to capture Jones flashing his middle finger at Jets fans, but Jones maintains he was actually signaling approval to Cowboys fans in attendance as his team secured a 37-22 victory.

“That was regrettable. It was kind of an exchange with our fans out in front of us,” Jones stated during a radio appearance. “Present was a swarm of Cowboys fans—not Jets fans, Cowboys fans. The whole venue was filled with excitement for the Dallas team.”

Jones additionally emphasized that the gesture was completely accidental, happening amid the excitement following the team’s last score. “I simply put up the incorrect finger,” he noted. “It was inadvertently done. This is sincere. If you want to call it accidental, you can. But it got resolved rapidly.”

Historical Precedent for Proprietor Fines

This is not the initial instance an NFL owner has been fined for inappropriate behavior. Previous cases involve:

• Panthers owner David Tepper was fined $300,000 for tossing a beverage at fans in early 2024.
• Then Titans proprietor Adams was issued a $250,000 fine in 2009 for a comparable offensive signal.

Jones, a figure who is recognized for his media savvy, possesses an estimated wealth of $16 billion, making the fine easily payable for the billionaire owner.

Offseason Issues and Public Spotlight

This event follows a contentious offseason for Jones, who encountered widespread criticism from the Dallas supporters after the team dealt star defensive player Micah Parsons to the Packers.

Additionally, Jones was a central figure in a streaming series that examined his role in building the Cowboys into the globe’s highest-worth athletic organization, despite its modern-era title shortcomings.

The league’s action to penalize Jones highlights its continuing effort to maintain proper behavior among all franchise representatives, irrespective of their status or financial standing.