🔗 Share this article Cowboys Proprietor Jerry Jones Fined $250,000 for ‘Inadvertent’ Obscene Gesture toward Fans The NFL has levied a substantial $250,000 penalty on Dallas Cowboys proprietor Jones for an action he claims was an “inadvertent” obscene gesture made toward attendees during a recent game at MetLife Stadium. Viral video clips appeared to show Jones making an obscene gesture at Jets fans, but Jones maintains he was actually giving a thumbs-up to Cowboys fans in attendance as his team secured a decisive win. “That was unfortunate. That was essentially an interaction with our fans seated near me,” Jones explained during a Tuesday interview. “There was a large group of Dallas supporters—not Jets fans, our fans. The whole venue was brimming with enthusiasm for the Cowboys.” He further emphasized that the gesture was completely accidental, happening amid the excitement following the team’s final touchdown. “I just showed the incorrect digit,” he remarked. “It was accidentally done. This is sincere. Should you call it accidental, you can. However, it got corrected rapidly.” League Context for Proprietor Penalties This is not the first time an league proprietor has been fined for inappropriate behavior. Recent cases involve: Panthers proprietor Tepper was penalized $300K for tossing a beverage at fans in January 2024. Former Tennessee Titans proprietor Adams was issued a $250,000 fine in 2009 for a similar obscene gesture. Jones, who is known for his publicity flair, possesses an approximate wealth of $16 billion, making the fine easily payable for the wealthy proprietor. Offseason Issues and Media Attention The incident follows a controversial preseason for Jones, who encountered significant backlash from the Cowboys fanbase after the team dealt star defensive player Parsons to the Packers. Moreover, Jones was a central figure in a Netflix documentary that examined his influence in developing the Dallas franchise into the world’s highest-worth athletic organization, even with its modern-era title shortcomings. The league’s action to penalize Jones highlights its ongoing effort to maintain professional conduct among all team officials, regardless of their position or wealth.