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The NFL has levied a substantial $250,000 penalty on Dallas Cowboys proprietor Jones for what he describes as an “unintentional” offensive hand signal directed at attendees during a recent contest at the Jets’ stadium.

Viral video clips appeared to show 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 secured a 37-22 victory.

“That was unfortunate. That was essentially an interaction with Cowboys supporters seated near me,” Jones stated during a Tuesday interview. “Present was a large group of Dallas supporters—not New York fans, our fans. The entire stadium 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 showed the incorrect finger,” he remarked. “The action was accidentally performed. I’m not kidding. If you want to call it accidental, you can. However, it got resolved rapidly.”

League Precedent for Proprietor Penalties

This is not the first time an league proprietor has been penalized for misconduct. Recent cases involve:

• Carolina Panthers proprietor Tepper was penalized $300K for throwing a drink at spectators in early 2024.
• Former Titans proprietor Adams received a $250,000 fine in 2009 for a similar obscene gesture.

Jones, a figure who is recognized for his media savvy, possesses an estimated net worth of around $16bn, making the penalty manageable for the billionaire proprietor.

Recent Controversies and Public Spotlight

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

Additionally, Jones was a central figure in a Netflix documentary that examined his role in developing the Dallas franchise into the globe’s most valuable athletic organization, even with its modern-era championship drought.

The league’s action to penalize Jones underscores its continuing initiative to maintain professional conduct among all franchise representatives, regardless of their position or wealth.