Fined Despite Claiming “Meant to Give a Thumbs-Up”
Jerry Jones (82), owner of the Dallas Cowboys, the most popular team in the National Football League (NFL), has been fined a large sum after making an obscene hand gesture toward the crowd.
On October 8 (Korean time), the NFL office announced that it had imposed a fine of $250,000 (approximately 350 million won) on owner Jones for inappropriate behavior toward fans. On October 6, during a game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, Jones, excited after Dallas secured a late-game touchdown, made an inappropriate hand gesture toward the spectators.
Jerry Jones (82), owner of the Dallas Cowboys, the most popular team in the National Football League (NFL). Photo by Imagn Images, Yonhap News.
Owner Jones explained, "It was not directed at Jets fans. I meant to give a thumbs-up to our Dallas fans, but it was a mistake," adding, "In the heat of the moment, I made the wrong gesture." However, this explanation was not accepted. Jones is reportedly planning to appeal the NFL office's decision. According to Forbes data released this year, Jones, a real estate tycoon, has a net worth of $17.7 billion (23.9 trillion won). Having played football in his school days, he acquired Dallas in 1989 and currently serves as owner, president, and general manager.
Panthers Owner Fined in the Past for Throwing Drink at Crowd
Meanwhile, the NFL office strictly prohibits owners from provoking spectators. Last year, Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper was fined $300,000 (about 420 million won) after throwing a drink at the crowd during a verbal altercation.
On January 2 of last year, Tepper threw a cup of drink at a spectator after an argument with a Jacksonville Jaguars fan while watching an away game against Jacksonville.
His actions were captured on video and quickly spread across social networking services (SNS). Later, Tepper admitted his wrongdoing, saying, "I have a deep affection for this team and regret my actions. I should have left any issues to the NFL stadium officials," and accepted the disciplinary action.
Tepper is a renowned investment expert known for his aggressive strategies and is the chairman of the prominent American hedge fund Appaloosa Management. According to Forbes in 2021, his net worth reached $14.5 billion (about 19 trillion won). At the time, the NFL office explained the background of the disciplinary action in a statement: "All NFL members must always respect the fans and have a positive impact on both the team and the league as a whole."
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