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The NFL has levied a hefty $250,000 fine on Cowboys proprietor Jones for an action he claims was an “inadvertent” offensive hand signal directed at fans during a Sunday’s contest at MetLife Stadium.

Widely circulated footage appeared to show Jones making an obscene gesture toward opposing supporters, but Jones insists he was actually signaling approval to Dallas supporters present at the game as his team secured a 37-22 victory.

“That was unfortunate. It was kind of an interaction with our fans out in front of us,” Jones explained during a Tuesday interview. “There was a swarm of Cowboys fans—not New York fans, our fans. The entire stadium was brimming with excitement for the Cowboys.”

He further clarified that the signal was completely accidental, occurring amid the elation following the team’s final touchdown. “I simply put up the wrong digit,” he noted. “The action was accidentally done. This is sincere. If you want to call it accidental, you can. But it got resolved pretty quick.”

League Context for Owner Penalties

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

• Panthers owner David Tepper was penalized $300K for tossing a beverage at fans in January 2024.
• Then Titans owner Bud Adams received a $250,000 penalty in 2009 for a similar offensive signal.

Jones, who is recognized for his publicity flair, possesses an approximate net worth of around $16bn, so the penalty easily payable for the wealthy proprietor.

Recent Controversies and Public Spotlight

This event comes after a controversial preseason for Jones, who encountered significant backlash from the Cowboys fanbase after the team traded star defensive player Micah Parsons to the Packers.

Additionally, Jones was a prominent subject in a streaming series that explored his influence in building the Dallas franchise into the globe’s most valuable sports franchise, even with its recent championship drought.

The league’s decision to fine Jones highlights its continuing initiative to uphold professional conduct among all franchise representatives, regardless of their status or wealth.