The National Football League has levied a substantial $250,000 penalty on Cowboys proprietor Jones for an action he describes as an “inadvertent” offensive hand signal directed at fans during a recent contest at MetLife Stadium.
Widely circulated footage seemed to capture Jones making an obscene gesture toward opposing supporters, but Jones insists he was actually giving a thumbs-up to Dallas supporters in attendance as his team clinched a 37-22 victory.
“That was regrettable. It was essentially an interaction with our fans seated near me,” Jones explained during a radio appearance. “Present was a large group of Dallas supporters—not New York 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 last score. “I simply put up the wrong finger,” he noted. “It was inadvertently done. This is sincere. Should you call it accidental, you can. However, it got resolved pretty quick.”
This incident isn’t the first time an league proprietor has been fined for inappropriate behavior. Recent cases involve:
Jones, who is known for his media savvy, reportedly has an estimated wealth of around $16bn, making the penalty easily payable for the billionaire proprietor.
This event comes after a controversial offseason for Jones, who encountered significant criticism from the Dallas supporters after the team dealt key pass rusher Parsons to the Packers.
Moreover, Jones was a central figure in a streaming series that examined his role in building the Cowboys into the world’s most valuable sports franchise, despite its modern-era championship drought.
The NFL’s decision to fine Jones highlights its continuing effort to uphold professional conduct among all franchise representatives, irrespective of their status or financial standing.
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