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The NFL has imposed a hefty $250,000 fine on Cowboys owner Jerry Jones for what he claims was an “unintentional” offensive hand signal directed at fans during a recent contest at MetLife Stadium.

Viral video clips appeared to show Jones flashing his middle finger at Jets fans, though he maintains he was actually signaling approval to Dallas supporters present at the game as his team secured a decisive win.

“That was regrettable. That was kind of an interaction with Cowboys supporters out in front of us,” 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, occurring amid the elation following the team’s last score. “I just showed the incorrect finger,” he remarked. “It was inadvertently performed. This is sincere. If you want to call it unplanned, you can. However, it got corrected pretty quick.”

Historical Context for Proprietor Penalties

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

• Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper was fined $300,000 for tossing a beverage at fans in early 2024.
• Then Titans owner Bud Adams received a $250,000 penalty in 2009 for a comparable offensive signal.

Jones, a figure who is recognized for his media savvy, possesses an approximate wealth of $16 billion, so the penalty manageable for the wealthy owner.

Recent Issues and Public Attention

The incident follows a contentious preseason for Jones, who encountered significant backlash from the Dallas supporters after the team traded key defensive player Micah Parsons to the Packers.

Moreover, Jones was a central figure in a streaming series that explored his role in developing the Dallas franchise into the world’s most valuable sports franchise, even with its recent championship drought.

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