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The NFL has levied a substantial $250,000 penalty on Dallas Cowboys proprietor Jones for an action he claims was an “inadvertent” obscene gesture made toward fans during a recent game at MetLife Stadium.

Widely circulated footage seemed to capture Jones flashing his middle finger toward opposing supporters, but Jones maintains he was actually signaling approval to Cowboys fans in attendance as his team secured a decisive win.

“That was regrettable. That was essentially an exchange with our fans out in front of us,” Jones stated during a Tuesday interview. “Present was a large group of Dallas supporters—not Jets fans, Cowboys fans. The whole venue was brimming with enthusiasm for the Dallas team.”

Jones additionally emphasized that the gesture was completely unintentional, happening amid the excitement following the team’s final touchdown. “I simply put up the wrong finger,” he remarked. “The action was inadvertently done. This is sincere. Should you call it unplanned, you can. However, it got resolved pretty quick.”

Historical Context for Owner Fines

This incident isn’t the initial instance an league proprietor has been penalized for inappropriate behavior. Previous examples include:

• Panthers proprietor Tepper was penalized $300K for tossing a beverage at spectators in early 2024.
• Then Tennessee Titans owner Bud Adams received a $250,000 fine in 2009 for a comparable obscene gesture.

Jones, a figure who is known for his publicity flair, reportedly has an estimated wealth of around $16bn, making the penalty easily payable for the wealthy proprietor.

Recent Controversies and Media Spotlight

The incident follows a controversial offseason for Jones, who encountered widespread criticism from the Cowboys fanbase after the team traded star pass rusher Parsons to the Green Bay Packers.

Additionally, Jones was a prominent subject in a streaming series that explored his influence in developing the Dallas franchise into the globe’s highest-worth sports franchise, even with its recent title shortcomings.

The league’s action to penalize Jones underscores its ongoing effort to uphold professional conduct among all franchise representatives, irrespective of their position or wealth.