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The NFL has imposed a substantial $250,000 penalty on Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones for an action he claims was an “inadvertent” offensive hand signal directed at attendees during a recent contest at MetLife Stadium.

Viral video clips seemed to capture Jones making an obscene gesture toward opposing supporters, though he insists he was actually signaling approval to Dallas supporters in attendance as his team clinched a 37-22 victory.

“It was regrettable. 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 New York fans, our fans. The entire stadium was filled with excitement for the Cowboys.”

He further clarified that the signal was entirely accidental, happening amid the excitement following the team’s final touchdown. “I simply showed the wrong digit,” he noted. “The action was inadvertently done. This is sincere. If you want to call it unplanned, you can. However, it got resolved rapidly.”

Historical Precedent for Owner Fines

This incident isn’t the initial instance an league proprietor has been penalized for misconduct. Recent examples involve:

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

Jones, who is recognized for his media savvy, reportedly has an estimated wealth of around $16bn, making the penalty easily payable for the wealthy owner.

Offseason Issues and Media Spotlight

This event follows a controversial preseason for Jones, who faced widespread criticism from the Dallas supporters after the team dealt star defensive player Parsons to the Green Bay Packers.

Moreover, Jones was a central figure in a Netflix documentary that explored his role in developing the Cowboys into the globe’s highest-worth sports franchise, even with its recent championship drought.

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