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The National Football League has imposed a substantial $250,000 fine on Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones for an action he claims was an “unintentional” obscene gesture directed at attendees during a Sunday’s game at MetLife Stadium.

Viral video clips appeared to show Jones making an obscene gesture at Jets fans, but Jones insists he was actually signaling approval to Dallas supporters in attendance as his team secured a decisive win.

“That was unfortunate. That was essentially an exchange with Cowboys supporters seated near me,” Jones stated during a Tuesday interview. “There was a swarm of Dallas supporters—not Jets fans, Cowboys fans. The whole venue was brimming with excitement for the Cowboys.”

Jones additionally clarified that the signal was completely accidental, happening amid the elation following the team’s last score. “I just put up the wrong finger,” he noted. “The action was inadvertently done. I’m not kidding. If you want to call it unplanned, you can. But it got corrected rapidly.”

League Precedent for Proprietor Fines

This is not the initial instance an NFL owner has been fined for inappropriate behavior. Recent examples include:

• Carolina Panthers proprietor Tepper was fined $300,000 for tossing a beverage at fans in early 2024.
• Then Tennessee Titans proprietor Adams was issued a $250,000 penalty in 2009 for a comparable offensive signal.

Jones, who is recognized for his media savvy, possesses an approximate net worth of around $16bn, so the penalty easily payable for the billionaire proprietor.

Offseason Controversies and Public Spotlight

This event comes after a contentious offseason for Jones, who encountered widespread criticism from the Dallas supporters after the team dealt star defensive player Parsons to the Packers.

Additionally, Jones was a central subject in a streaming series that explored his influence in developing the Cowboys into the globe’s most valuable athletic organization, despite its recent championship drought.

The league’s decision to fine Jones underscores its continuing initiative to maintain professional conduct among all team officials, irrespective of their position or wealth.