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The National Football League has levied a substantial $250,000 penalty on Dallas Cowboys proprietor Jones for what he describes as an “inadvertent” obscene gesture made toward attendees during a Sunday’s contest at the Jets’ stadium.

Viral video clips appeared to show Jones making an obscene gesture at Jets fans, though he insists he was actually giving a thumbs-up to Cowboys fans in attendance as his team clinched a decisive win.

“It was unfortunate. It was kind of an interaction with Cowboys supporters seated near me,” Jones explained during a radio appearance. “Present was a swarm of Dallas supporters—not Jets fans, Cowboys fans. The entire stadium was filled with excitement for the Dallas team.”

He further emphasized that the signal was completely accidental, occurring amid the excitement following the team’s final touchdown. “I just showed the incorrect digit,” he noted. “The action was inadvertently done. This is sincere. If you want to call it unplanned, you can. However, it got corrected pretty quick.”

Historical Precedent for Owner Fines

This incident isn’t the initial instance an NFL owner has been fined for inappropriate behavior. Previous examples include:

• Panthers owner David Tepper was penalized $300K for throwing a drink at fans in January 2024.
• Former Titans proprietor Adams received a $250,000 fine in 2009 for a comparable obscene gesture.

Jones, a figure who is known for his media savvy, possesses an approximate wealth of around $16bn, so the fine easily payable for the wealthy owner.

Recent Controversies and Public Spotlight

The incident comes after a controversial preseason for Jones, who encountered widespread criticism from the Dallas supporters after the team traded star defensive player Parsons to the Green Bay Packers.

Additionally, Jones was a prominent subject in a Netflix documentary that explored his role in developing the Dallas franchise into the world’s most valuable sports franchise, even with its recent championship drought.

The NFL’s action to penalize Jones underscores its ongoing effort to maintain professional conduct among all franchise representatives, irrespective of their position or financial standing.