🔗 Share this article Dallas Cowboys Proprietor Jones Fined $250,000 for ‘Accidental’ Offensive Signal toward Fans The NFL has levied a substantial $250,000 fine on Cowboys proprietor Jones for what he describes as an “unintentional” offensive hand signal made toward attendees during a Sunday’s contest at MetLife Stadium. Viral video clips appeared to show Jones making an obscene gesture at Jets fans, though he maintains he was actually signaling approval to Dallas supporters in attendance as his team clinched a 37-22 victory. “It was regrettable. It was essentially an interaction with our fans out in front of us,” Jones stated during a Tuesday interview. “There was a large group of Cowboys fans—not New York fans, Cowboys fans. The whole venue was filled with enthusiasm for the Dallas team.” He further clarified that the signal was completely unintentional, happening amid the elation following the team’s final touchdown. “I simply put up the wrong digit,” he noted. “It was accidentally done. This is sincere. If you want to call it unplanned, you can. However, it got corrected pretty quick.” League Precedent for Proprietor Penalties This is not the first time an NFL owner has been fined for misconduct. Recent examples include: Carolina Panthers proprietor Tepper was penalized $300K for throwing a drink at fans in January 2024. Then Tennessee Titans owner Bud Adams received a $250,000 fine in 2009 for a comparable obscene gesture. Jones, who is known for his media savvy, reportedly has an estimated net worth of around $16bn, making the fine easily payable for the billionaire proprietor. Recent Issues and Public Spotlight This event comes after a controversial offseason for Jones, who encountered significant criticism from the Dallas supporters after the team dealt key defensive player Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers. Additionally, Jones was a prominent subject in a streaming series that explored his influence in developing the Dallas franchise into the world’s most valuable athletic organization, even with its modern-era title shortcomings. The NFL’s action to penalize Jones underscores its continuing effort to uphold professional conduct among all franchise representatives, regardless of their position or wealth.