Jerry Jones

Alexandra Davis claimed that Jones was her biological father and challenged a 1998 agreement providing financial support and confidentiality. Paternity proceedings led to an order for genetic testing; a separate defamation case was dismissed, and Jones counterclaimed for breach of the agreement. In July 2024, the parties agreed to withdraw their respective claims, leaving the 1998 agreement in force.

State of the evidence

Settlement

Attribution

Accused

Four cheerleaders accused longtime public relations executive Richard Dalrymple of entering their changing room and watching or filming them while they changed. The Cowboys reached a confidential settlement totalling $2.4 million in 2016; the matter did not become public until 2022.

Jones declared that any Cowboys player who disrespected the flag or anthem would not play. A local union then filed a complaint with the NLRB, arguing that the threat could amount to coercion against employees exercising their collective rights.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

Jones strongly opposed Ezekiel Elliott's suspension and attempted to delay the renewal of Commissioner Roger Goodell's contract, even threatening legal action. The NFL subsequently demanded reimbursement of legal fees associated with these disputes.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

Jana Weckerly accused Jones of unwanted touching and forced kissing during an incident she dated to 2009 and sought more than one million dollars. In October 2014, a Texas judge dismissed the action because the limitation period had expired.

State of the evidence

Alleged

Attribution

Accused

The NFL sued Jones and the Cowboys for $300 million, arguing that several agreements with Pepsi, Nike, Dr Pepper, American Express and AT&T violated the league's revenue-sharing and licensing rules. Jones countered with an antitrust action seeking approximately $700 million.

State of the evidence

Settlement

Attribution

Directly implicated

After two consecutive titles, a power struggle between Jones and Jimmy Johnson led to the coach's departure. The press described an open dispute over control and recognition of football-related work, which became an enduring example of Jones's highly interventionist management style.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

On the day he took control of the Dallas Cowboys, Jerry Jones dismissed Tom Landry, the only head coach in the franchise's history until then, and replaced him with Jimmy Johnson. The manner and symbolic abruptness of the break provoked a strong reaction among supporters and former team members.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated