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The National Football League has levied a hefty $250,000 penalty on Cowboys owner Jerry Jones for an action he claims was an “unintentional” offensive hand signal directed at fans during a Sunday’s game at the Jets’ stadium.

Viral video clips appeared to show Jones flashing his middle finger toward opposing supporters, though he insists he was actually giving a thumbs-up to Dallas supporters present at the game as his team secured a 37-22 victory.

“It was regrettable. That was essentially an exchange with Cowboys supporters out in front of us,” Jones explained during a radio appearance. “There was a large group of Cowboys fans—not New York fans, Cowboys fans. The entire stadium was brimming with enthusiasm for the Dallas team.”

Jones additionally emphasized that the gesture was entirely accidental, occurring amid the elation following the team’s last score. “I simply put up the wrong finger,” he noted. “It was accidentally performed. This is sincere. If you want to call it unplanned, you can. But it got corrected pretty quick.”

Historical Precedent for Owner Fines

This is not the initial instance an NFL owner has been fined for misconduct. Recent cases involve:

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

Jones, who is known for his media savvy, reportedly has an approximate wealth of around $16bn, so the fine easily payable for the billionaire proprietor.

Recent Controversies and Media Attention

This event comes after a contentious offseason for Jones, who faced widespread criticism from the Cowboys fanbase after the team traded star pass rusher Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers.

Additionally, Jones was a central subject in a Netflix documentary that explored his role in building the Dallas franchise into the world’s highest-worth athletic organization, despite its modern-era championship drought.

The NFL’s decision to fine Jones underscores its continuing effort to uphold proper behavior among all team officials, regardless of their status or wealth.