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The National Football League has levied a hefty $250,000 fine on Dallas Cowboys proprietor Jones for an action he describes as an “inadvertent” offensive hand signal made toward fans during a recent game at MetLife Stadium.

Viral video clips appeared to show Jones flashing his middle finger toward opposing supporters, though he maintains he was actually giving a thumbs-up to Dallas supporters present at the game as his team clinched a 37-22 victory.

“That was unfortunate. That was kind of an exchange with Cowboys supporters out in front of us,” Jones stated during a radio appearance. “Present was a large group of Dallas supporters—not Jets fans, our fans. The entire stadium was filled with excitement for the Cowboys.”

Jones additionally clarified that the signal was completely accidental, happening amid the excitement following the team’s final touchdown. “I just put up the wrong digit,” he remarked. “The action was accidentally done. I’m not kidding. If you want to call it accidental, you can. However, it got resolved pretty quick.”

Historical Context for Proprietor Fines

This is not the initial instance an NFL owner has been penalized for misconduct. Previous examples involve:

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

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

Offseason Controversies and Media Attention

This event comes after a contentious offseason for Jones, who encountered widespread backlash from the Dallas supporters after the team dealt key defensive player Parsons to the Packers.

Additionally, Jones was a prominent figure in a streaming series that examined his influence in developing the Cowboys into the world’s highest-worth sports franchise, despite its modern-era title shortcomings.

The league’s decision to fine Jones underscores its continuing effort to maintain proper behavior among all team officials, regardless of their position or financial standing.