The National Football League has levied a hefty $250,000 penalty on Dallas Cowboys proprietor Jones for what he describes as an “inadvertent” obscene gesture directed at fans during a Sunday’s game at MetLife Stadium.
Widely circulated footage appeared to show Jones flashing his middle finger toward opposing supporters, though he insists he was actually signaling approval to Cowboys fans present at the game as his team secured a 37-22 victory.
“It was regrettable. That was kind of an exchange with Cowboys supporters seated near me,” Jones stated during a radio appearance. “Present was a large group of Dallas supporters—not Jets fans, Cowboys fans. The entire stadium was filled with excitement for the Dallas team.”
He further clarified that the signal was completely accidental, occurring amid the excitement following the team’s last score. “I simply put up the incorrect digit,” he remarked. “It was accidentally done. This is sincere. Should you call it unplanned, you can. But it got corrected pretty quick.”
This is not the first time an league proprietor has been penalized for inappropriate behavior. Recent cases include:
Jones, who is recognized for his publicity flair, possesses an estimated wealth of $16 billion, making the fine easily payable for the billionaire owner.
The incident follows a controversial preseason for Jones, who encountered widespread criticism from the Dallas supporters after the team traded key pass rusher Parsons to the Packers.
Moreover, Jones was a prominent figure in a Netflix documentary that examined his role in developing the Cowboys into the globe’s most valuable sports franchise, despite its modern-era title shortcomings.
The NFL’s decision to fine Jones underscores its ongoing initiative to maintain proper behavior among all franchise representatives, regardless of their status or financial standing.
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