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The NFL has imposed a hefty $250,000 penalty on Dallas Cowboys proprietor Jones for what he claims was an “inadvertent” offensive hand signal directed at attendees during a recent contest at MetLife Stadium.

Viral video clips seemed to capture Jones flashing his middle finger toward opposing supporters, though he insists he was actually signaling approval to Dallas supporters present at the game as his team clinched a 37-22 victory.

“It was regrettable. That was essentially an exchange with Cowboys supporters out in front of us,” Jones explained during a radio appearance. “Present was a large group of Cowboys fans—not Jets fans, our fans. The entire stadium was brimming with excitement for the Dallas team.”

Jones additionally emphasized that the signal was entirely unintentional, occurring amid the elation following the team’s final touchdown. “I just put up the incorrect digit,” he remarked. “It was accidentally done. I’m not kidding. Should you call it unplanned, you can. However, it got corrected pretty quick.”

Historical Precedent for Owner Penalties

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

• Carolina Panthers proprietor Tepper was fined $300,000 for throwing a drink at fans in January 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 media savvy, possesses an estimated net worth of $16 billion, making the fine manageable for the wealthy owner.

Offseason Controversies and Media Attention

The incident comes after a controversial preseason for Jones, who encountered significant backlash from the Cowboys fanbase after the team traded key defensive player Micah Parsons to the Packers.

Moreover, Jones was a prominent subject in a streaming series that explored his influence in developing the Cowboys into the globe’s highest-worth athletic organization, despite its modern-era championship drought.

The league’s action to penalize Jones highlights its continuing effort to uphold professional conduct among all team officials, regardless of their status or wealth.