🔗 Share this article Dallas Cowboys Proprietor Jerry Jones Penalized $250,000 for ‘Accidental’ Obscene Gesture toward Fans The National Football League has levied a substantial $250,000 fine on Cowboys owner Jerry Jones for what he claims was an “inadvertent” obscene gesture directed at attendees during a recent game at the Jets’ stadium. Viral video clips seemed to capture Jones making an obscene gesture at Jets fans, but Jones maintains he was actually signaling approval to Dallas supporters present at the game as his team clinched a 37-22 victory. “That was unfortunate. It was kind of an exchange with our fans seated near me,” Jones explained during a Tuesday interview. “There was a large group of Dallas supporters—not New York fans, our fans. The whole venue was filled with excitement for the Dallas team.” Jones additionally emphasized that the gesture was entirely unintentional, occurring amid the elation following the team’s last score. “I simply put up the incorrect finger,” he remarked. “It was accidentally done. I’m not kidding. Should you call it unplanned, you can. However, it got corrected pretty quick.” League Context for Owner Fines This incident isn’t the first time an league proprietor has been fined for inappropriate behavior. Previous cases include: Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper was fined $300,000 for throwing a drink at spectators in January 2024. Then Tennessee Titans owner Bud Adams received a $250,000 fine in 2009 for a similar obscene gesture. Jones, a figure who is known for his publicity flair, possesses an estimated wealth of around $16bn, making the fine easily payable for the billionaire proprietor. Recent Issues and Public Spotlight This event follows a controversial preseason for Jones, who faced widespread criticism from the Dallas supporters after the team traded key pass rusher Parsons to the Green Bay Packers. Additionally, Jones was a prominent subject in a Netflix documentary that examined his role in building the Dallas franchise into the world’s most valuable sports franchise, even with its recent championship drought. The league’s decision to fine Jones underscores its ongoing initiative to uphold proper behavior among all team officials, regardless of their status or wealth.