Jon Jones: Latest Details, Comments, Reaction After Positive Drug Test and Rehab
UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones tested positive for cocaine a month before defending his title against Daniel Cormier on Jan. 3. A few days after the fight, the test results were revealed and Jones announced he was heading for treatment. However, he left the rehab program after a single night.
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Jones Speaks Out on Positive Drug Test and Cocaine Use
Tuesday, Jan. 20
ESPN's Michael Huang transcribed Jones discussing the positive drug test with Fox Sports 1 yesterday evening:
"[The day of the test] was a nerve-wracking day. I knew that I had done something wrong and that the test would show that. ... I knew the test would come out positive. But I knew there was nothing I could do about it. I was stressed out about it, but I thought I'd focus on what I could control, which was the fight.
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Jones went on to explain that he used the drug at a party among friends, but he refused to blame anyone but himself for what happened:
"I think a coward would sit here and come up with this elaborate reason or try to blame something. And I'm not going to do that. I'm not going to blame my friends or pressure or stress. I'm not going to blame anything or anyone. But what I will say is 'I messed up.' It wasn't a mistake because I consciously did it.
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The 27-year-old later discussed his decision to enter rehab. After being evaluated by three doctors, Jones was moved to an outpatient house, where he was told by a counselor that he didn't need to be there and was granted his release from the program. Jones also said "he will continue to be tested for drugs on a weekly basis and have a counselor visit at least twice a week," noted Huang.
Jones also mentioned that he had previously used cocaine, noting that he took the drug infrequently in college, but he denied being an addict and expressed remorse over the choice he made:
"I don't know what came over me to make such a poor choice, but I did and now I have to live with it. The whole situation has been embarrassing. ... Cocaine is such a dirty drug. ... I've had to explain to so many people that I'm not a cocaine addict -- I'm not even a frequent user. I just made a really dumb decision. I really got caught with my pants down in this whole situation, and there's no excuse for it.
"
Jones' Mother Speaks on Son's Rehab Stint
Tuesday, Jan. 13
Travis Eldridge of WBNG in Binghamton, New York, spoke with his mother, Camille Jones, who said she was happy the UFC star was caught before it became a major issue.
"When he tested positive, my first question was, do you have a problem, a serious problem?" Camille said, per Eldridge. "And then he told me what happened. Jon is usually very honest with me, so he told me what happened. I was like, good for you…good. You needed to be caught, it was just timing."
She then confirmed he left the rehab facility after one night of treatment before adding Jones was "continuing his education in the program."
Following the initial announcement of the failed drug test, America's Pregame passed along comments from Jones. He said he was going to take the treatment seriously:
The UFC also released a statement about his decision to go through rehab:
"We support UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones' decision to enter a drug treatment facility to address his recent issue. While we are disappointed in the failed test, we applaud him for making this decision to enter a drug treatment facility. Jon is a strong, courageous fighter inside the Octagon, and we expect him to fight this issue with the same poise and diligence. We commend him on his decision, and look forward to him emerging from this program a better man as a result.
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Based on those remarks, it appeared the champion would undergo a far more extensive process than just one night in the facility. It's unclear, however, whether Jones continues to receive any outpatient treatment following his exit.
Despite Jones' initial failed test, the fighter ultimately would pass a subsequent test on Dec. 18, according to Yahoo Sports' Kevin Iole.
Jones ultimately won the bout against Cormier in convincing fashion, giving him what many consider to be the best win of an already prestigious fighting career over one of his biggest rivals in his weight class.
Neither Jones nor the UFC has released any comments since his departure from rehab, and it is unclear if the fighter will face some sort of punishment from the Nevada State Athletic Commission now that he's out of rehab.
NSAC to Re-Evaluate Cocaine Testing Procedure
Tuesday, Jan. 13
According to MMA Weekly, Jones' positive test inspired the NSAC to re-evaluate their testing procedure with regards to cocaine. Because Jones' test was done outside-of-competition, only the tests with regard to performance enhancing drugs can be used to administer punishment, according to the current rules.
MMA Weekly does note that while nothing came of the initial discussion, they "quickly focused on a plan to gather further information and form a committee to take a deeper look at the commission’s policies in regard to drug testing".
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