Report: Goodell to fine Cowboys owner Jones 'millions' of dollars

Apparently there's a price to pay when you mess with Roger Goodell. Even if you're Jerry Jones.

The flamboyant Dallas Cowboys owner and outspoken critic of the NFL commissioner is reportedly on the verge of being fined by said commissioner ... for "millions" of dollars.

Citing "five league officials with direct knowledge of the situation," The New York Times' Ken Belson on Monday reported that Goodell is preparing to fine Jones "millions of dollars" for Jones' efforts to sabotage Goodell's contract-renewal negotiations and for Jones' outspoken support and defense of running back Ezekiel Elliott.

What's more, according to the report, Goodell has "the support of many NFL owners" to make the move.

The justification for the fine, which will be issued in the coming weeks, is reportedly that Jones' actions have been detrimental to the NFL. According to Belson, while Goodell himself was reluctant to issue any sort of discipline toward Jones, the owners encouraged him to do so because Jones "crossed an unspoken boundary by threatening his colleagues."

Among Jones' actions in 2017 that have drawn fellow owners' ire:

--He reportedly proposed a six-month moratorium on Dec. 1 on finalizing any new contract for Goodell.

--He threatened to sue the owners' compensation committee if it approved the extension (which it did).

--On multiple occasions, he was publicly critical of the league's investigation -- and ultimately suspension -- of Elliott after numerous off-field incidents.

Elliott served the six-game ban in the second half of last season.

A Cowboys spokesman told The Times it was unaware of any impending penalties, and the NFL would not offer a comment.

--Field Level Media