In a headline-making moment that has the sports world buzzing, Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has been fined $250,000 by the NFL after being caught on camera appearing to flash his middle finger toward the crowd during Sunday’s game against the New York Jets.

The incident occurred late in the second half, as cameras panned across the Cowboys’ sideline following a tense play. Jones, standing near team executives, appeared to raise his hand toward the stands and extend a single finger — a moment that immediately lit up social media. Within minutes, clips of the gesture had gone viral, drawing millions of views and sparking intense debate among fans, analysts, and sports reporters.

While many viewers interpreted the gesture as an unmistakable middle finger, Jones quickly offered his own explanation. Speaking to reporters after the game, he laughed off the controversy, claiming that it was “a misunderstanding” and that he had simply “meant to give a thumbs-up.”

“I was trying to signal positively,” Jones said. “I guess it came off differently on camera. Maybe I didn’t angle it right.”

But the NFL wasn’t convinced. On Monday morning, the league issued an official statement confirming that Jones had been fined $250,000 for “unsportsmanlike and inappropriate conduct” that violated the league’s personal conduct policy.

“The NFL holds all team owners and executives to the highest standards of professionalism and respect,” the statement read. “Public gestures that can be reasonably interpreted as offensive do not align with the image or values of the league.”

This isn’t the first time Jones has found himself in the league’s crosshairs. Known for his outspoken personality and fiery sideline demeanor, the billionaire owner has a long history of controversial moments — from blunt public comments about referees to clashes with league officials. But this incident, broadcast live during a national game, has brought an especially sharp spotlight to his behavior.

Fans have been quick to weigh in. Some argue that the league overreacted to what was clearly an accidental motion, pointing out that the 81-year-old owner could have easily been misunderstood. “Jerry’s old-school — he probably wasn’t thinking about how that looked on camera,” one fan posted on X (formerly Twitter). Others, however, were less forgiving. “Doesn’t matter if it was intentional or not,” one comment read. “He’s representing the Cowboys brand. That’s not the look you want on national TV.”

Sports analysts echoed similar concerns. ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith remarked, “Even if Jerry Jones didn’t mean it, perception is everything. You’re on camera, you know millions are watching — the optics matter. The NFL had to make an example.”

The fine, though steep, is a drop in the bucket for Jones, whose estimated net worth exceeds $14 billion. But for the league, it’s a symbolic gesture intended to reaffirm that standards apply equally to players, coaches, and owners alike.

Cowboys players and staff have largely stayed silent about the issue, focusing instead on preparing for next week’s matchup. Head coach Mike McCarthy declined to comment directly, saying only, “We’re focused on football. That’s what Jerry wants, that’s what we all want.”

Still, the controversy has added an unexpected layer of drama to the Cowboys’ season, which has already been marked by scrutiny following inconsistent performances on the field.

For now, Jones is free to appeal the fine — a process that could take weeks — though sources close to the team suggest he’s unlikely to do so. “Jerry doesn’t mind taking a hit if it means moving on quickly,” one insider told Sports Illustrated. “He knows this will blow over soon.”

Whether it was a mischievous moment or an innocent misunderstanding, the clip has once again proven that Jerry Jones is one of the NFL’s most polarizing figures — capable of turning even a simple gesture into national headlines.

As one fan summed it up online: “Only Jerry could make a thumbs-up look like a scandal.”