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The NFL has levied a hefty $250,000 fine on Cowboys proprietor Jones for what he claims was an “inadvertent” offensive hand signal made toward fans during a Sunday’s game at the Jets’ stadium.

Widely circulated footage seemed to capture Jones making an obscene gesture at Jets fans, though he maintains he was actually signaling approval to Cowboys fans in attendance as his team clinched a 37-22 victory.

“It was regrettable. That was essentially an exchange with our fans seated near me,” Jones explained during a Tuesday interview. “There was a swarm of Dallas supporters—not New York fans, our fans. The whole venue was brimming with enthusiasm for the Dallas team.”

Jones additionally clarified that the gesture was entirely unintentional, happening amid the excitement following the team’s last score. “I simply put up the incorrect digit,” he remarked. “It was accidentally performed. I’m not kidding. Should you call it unplanned, you can. But it got corrected pretty quick.”

Historical Context for Proprietor Fines

This is not the initial instance an NFL owner has been penalized for inappropriate behavior. Previous examples involve:

• Panthers proprietor Tepper was penalized $300K for throwing a drink at spectators in January 2024.
• Former Titans owner Bud Adams was issued a $250,000 fine in 2009 for a comparable offensive signal.

Jones, a figure who is recognized for his media savvy, reportedly has an approximate wealth of around $16bn, making the fine easily payable for the billionaire owner.

Offseason Issues and Public Spotlight

The incident comes after a controversial offseason for Jones, who encountered significant backlash from the Dallas supporters after the team dealt key pass rusher Micah Parsons to the Packers.

Moreover, Jones was a prominent figure in a streaming series that examined his role in building the Cowboys into the globe’s most valuable athletic organization, even with its modern-era championship drought.

The league’s action to penalize Jones highlights its continuing effort to maintain professional conduct among all team officials, regardless of their position or wealth.