🔗 Share this article Dallas Cowboys Proprietor Jones Fined $250,000 for ‘Inadvertent’ Obscene Gesture toward Spectators The National Football League has imposed a hefty $250,000 penalty on Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones for what he claims was an “unintentional” obscene gesture made toward attendees during a recent game at the Jets’ stadium. Widely circulated footage appeared to show Jones making an obscene gesture toward opposing supporters, but Jones maintains he was actually giving a thumbs-up to Dallas supporters in attendance as his team clinched a 37-22 victory. “That was unfortunate. It was essentially an exchange with Cowboys supporters seated near me,” Jones explained during a radio appearance. “Present was a large group of Dallas supporters—not Jets fans, our fans. The whole venue was filled with enthusiasm for the Dallas team.” He further clarified that the gesture was completely unintentional, happening amid the excitement following the team’s final touchdown. “I simply put up the wrong digit,” he remarked. “It was accidentally performed. I’m not kidding. Should you call it accidental, you can. But it got resolved rapidly.” Historical Precedent for Proprietor Penalties This incident isn’t the initial instance an NFL owner has been penalized for misconduct. Recent examples involve: Panthers proprietor Tepper was penalized $300K for throwing a drink at fans in January 2024. Then Tennessee Titans owner Bud Adams was issued a $250,000 penalty in 2009 for a similar offensive signal. Jones, who is known for his publicity flair, possesses an approximate wealth of $16 billion, so the fine manageable for the billionaire proprietor. Offseason Issues and Public Attention This event follows a contentious preseason for Jones, who faced significant backlash from the Cowboys fanbase after the team traded key defensive player Parsons to the Packers. Moreover, Jones was a prominent figure in a streaming series that examined his influence in building the Dallas franchise into the world’s most valuable sports franchise, despite its recent title shortcomings. The NFL’s action to penalize Jones underscores its ongoing effort to uphold professional conduct among all team officials, irrespective of their status or wealth.