🔗 Share this article Dallas Cowboys Owner Jerry Jones Fined $250,000 for ‘Accidental’ Obscene Gesture toward Fans The National Football League has levied a substantial $250,000 penalty on Dallas Cowboys proprietor Jones for an action he describes as an “inadvertent” offensive hand signal made toward attendees during a recent game at the Jets’ stadium. Viral video clips seemed to capture Jones making an obscene gesture at Jets fans, though he maintains he was actually giving a thumbs-up to Dallas supporters in attendance as his team clinched a decisive win. “That was unfortunate. It was kind of an interaction with our fans seated near me,” Jones stated during a radio appearance. “Present was a swarm of Cowboys fans—not Jets fans, Cowboys fans. The entire stadium was filled with enthusiasm for the Cowboys.” He further clarified that the signal was completely unintentional, occurring amid the elation following the team’s final touchdown. “I simply put up the wrong digit,” he remarked. “The action was inadvertently done. I’m not kidding. If you want to call it unplanned, you can. But it got corrected pretty quick.” Historical Context for Proprietor Fines This incident isn’t the first time an NFL owner has been penalized for inappropriate behavior. Recent cases involve: Panthers proprietor Tepper was penalized $300K for throwing a drink at fans in January 2024. Former Tennessee Titans owner Bud Adams received a $250,000 penalty in 2009 for a similar offensive signal. Jones, who is known for his publicity flair, reportedly has an estimated wealth of $16 billion, so the fine easily payable for the billionaire owner. Recent Controversies and Public Attention The incident comes after a contentious preseason for Jones, who faced widespread criticism from the Cowboys fanbase after the team traded star pass rusher Parsons to the Packers. Additionally, Jones was a central subject in a Netflix documentary that explored his role in developing the Dallas franchise into the globe’s highest-worth sports franchise, even with its recent title shortcomings. The NFL’s decision to fine Jones underscores its ongoing initiative to uphold professional conduct among all franchise representatives, regardless of their position or wealth.