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The NFL has levied a hefty $250,000 fine on Cowboys owner Jerry Jones for what he claims was an “inadvertent” offensive hand signal made toward fans during a Sunday’s game at MetLife Stadium.

Widely circulated footage appeared to show Jones making an obscene gesture toward opposing supporters, but Jones maintains he was actually signaling approval to Cowboys fans in attendance as his team clinched a 37-22 victory.

“That was regrettable. It was kind of an exchange with our fans out in front of us,” Jones explained during a Tuesday interview. “There was a large group of Cowboys fans—not Jets fans, Cowboys fans. The whole venue was filled with enthusiasm for the Dallas team.”

Jones additionally clarified that the gesture was entirely accidental, happening amid the elation following the team’s last score. “I simply showed the wrong finger,” he noted. “It was accidentally performed. I’m not kidding. If you want to call it accidental, you can. However, it got corrected rapidly.”

League Precedent for Owner Fines

This is not the first time an league proprietor has been fined for inappropriate behavior. Recent cases involve:

• Panthers owner David Tepper was fined $300,000 for throwing a drink at spectators in January 2024.
• Former Titans owner Bud Adams was issued a $250,000 fine in 2009 for a similar obscene gesture.

Jones, a figure who is recognized for his publicity flair, reportedly has an approximate wealth of around $16bn, making the fine manageable for the wealthy proprietor.

Recent Controversies and Public Spotlight

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

Moreover, Jones was a central figure in a Netflix documentary that explored his influence in developing the Dallas franchise into the world’s most valuable athletic organization, despite its modern-era title shortcomings.

The NFL’s decision to fine Jones underscores its ongoing effort to uphold professional conduct among all team officials, regardless of their position or financial standing.