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The NFL has imposed a hefty $250,000 penalty on Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones for what he describes as an “inadvertent” offensive hand signal made toward attendees during a Sunday’s game at MetLife Stadium.

Viral video clips seemed to capture Jones flashing his middle finger toward opposing supporters, but Jones insists he was actually giving a thumbs-up to Dallas supporters present at the game as his team clinched a decisive win.

“That was unfortunate. It was essentially an interaction with Cowboys supporters seated near me,” Jones explained during a Tuesday interview. “There was a large group of Dallas supporters—not New York fans, Cowboys fans. The entire stadium was filled with excitement for the Dallas team.”

He further emphasized that the gesture was completely accidental, happening amid the elation following the team’s final touchdown. “I simply put up the wrong finger,” he remarked. “It was inadvertently done. I’m not kidding. Should you call it unplanned, you can. But it got resolved pretty quick.”

League Precedent for Proprietor Fines

This is not the first time an league proprietor has been penalized for misconduct. Previous cases include:

• Panthers owner David Tepper was fined $300,000 for throwing a drink at fans in early 2024.
• Then Tennessee Titans proprietor Adams received a $250,000 penalty in 2009 for a comparable offensive signal.

Jones, who is recognized for his media savvy, reportedly has an approximate wealth of around $16bn, making the penalty manageable for the billionaire proprietor.

Offseason Controversies and Public Attention

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

Additionally, Jones was a central figure in a Netflix documentary that examined his influence in developing the Dallas franchise into the world’s highest-worth athletic organization, despite its modern-era title shortcomings.

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