🔗 Share this article Cowboys Owner Jones Fined $250,000 for ‘Accidental’ Offensive Signal at Fans The NFL has levied a hefty $250,000 fine on Cowboys proprietor Jones for an action he describes as an “unintentional” offensive hand signal directed at attendees during a Sunday’s game at MetLife Stadium. Widely circulated footage appeared to show Jones making an obscene gesture toward opposing supporters, but Jones insists he was actually signaling approval to Dallas supporters present at the game as his team clinched a 37-22 victory. “That was regrettable. That was kind of an exchange with Cowboys supporters seated near me,” Jones explained during a radio appearance. “There was a large group of Cowboys fans—not New York fans, Cowboys fans. The entire stadium was filled with excitement for the Dallas team.” Jones additionally clarified that the signal was completely unintentional, happening amid the excitement following the team’s final touchdown. “I just put up the wrong finger,” he remarked. “It was inadvertently performed. This is sincere. If you want to call it accidental, you can. But it got resolved rapidly.” Historical Precedent for Proprietor Fines This is not the first time an league proprietor has been fined for misconduct. Previous examples involve: Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper was fined $300,000 for tossing a beverage at fans in January 2024. Then Titans owner Bud Adams received a $250,000 penalty in 2009 for a similar obscene gesture. Jones, who is recognized for his media savvy, reportedly has an estimated wealth of $16 billion, so the fine manageable for the billionaire proprietor. Recent Issues and Media Spotlight This event follows a controversial offseason for Jones, who faced widespread backlash from the Cowboys fanbase after the team dealt star defensive player Parsons to the Green Bay Packers. Additionally, Jones was a prominent figure in a streaming series that explored his role in developing the Cowboys into the world’s highest-worth sports franchise, despite its recent championship drought. The league’s action to penalize Jones highlights its continuing effort to uphold proper behavior among all team officials, irrespective of their position or wealth.