$250,000 Finger: Cowboys Owner Fined for “Inadvertent” Gesture
Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has been hit with a hefty $250,000 fine from the NFL for making an obscene gesture toward fans during the team’s victory over the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. The incident, which was caught on video and quickly went viral, occurred late in the game following a Cowboys touchdown.
The video shows Jones, known for his candid and colorful personality, briefly flashing his middle finger while interacting with fans from his luxury box.
Jones has publicly addressed the incident, claiming the vulgar display was “inadvertent” and a complete accident. He insisted on his radio show that he was attempting to give a “thumbs up” to a swarm of excited Cowboys fans celebrating the team’s dominant performance and that he simply “put up the wrong show on the hand.”
Despite his explanation, the NFL took a strong stance against the public conduct, classifying the gesture as detrimental to the league’s image. The fine is consistent with penalties levied in past years for similar actions by team executives. While the billionaire owner’s wallet won’t feel the pinch, the incident adds another memorable, albeit embarrassing, chapter to his storied ownership. Jones is expected to consider appealing the fine.