Jon Jones pleads guilty to DWI, says he has 'unhealthy relationship' with alcohol in apology
Jon Jones’ latest legal issue is coming to an early end.
The UFC light heavyweight champion pleaded guilty in New Mexico to driving while intoxicated, MMA Fighting reports. Jones was arrested on March 26 after police reportedly found him visibly inebriated in a car with the engine running while responding to reports of gunshots.
Jones had been facing charges of aggravated DWI, negligent use of a firearm, no proof of insurance in the vehicle and possession of an open container.
Jon Jones’ statement on DWI plea
An hour after the news of Jones’ guilty plea broke, the fighter released a statement apologizing for his actions and saying he has an unhealthy relationship with alcohol.
This is Jon Jones’ first statement since last week’s arrest.
“... I accept full responsibility for my actions and I know that I have some personal work to do to which involves the unhealthy relationship I have with alcohol. ...”
Full statement below: pic.twitter.com/IPinB1uSLN— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) March 31, 2020
Jon Jones’ plea deal
In a deal with the prosecution, Jones reportedly agreed to one year supervised probation and four days of house arrest.
Jones will also reportedly have to complete a minimum a 90-day drug treatment outpatient program, 48 hours of community service, pay a $500 fine, wear an ankle monitor during his house arrest and install an ignition interlock device in his car.
A statement explaining the sentence by Bernalillo County District Attorney spokesperson Michael Patrick, via MMA Fighting:
”Jones took responsibility for his actions early on in the case, and in doing so, the state agreed to one year (of) supervised probation,” Patrick wrote. “Normally, the state would be requesting a pre-sentencing report and a recommendation to substance recovery court, however, due to COVID-19 it is not clear the program can accept anyone at this time.
”It is also the reason that we are agreeing to the four days on (community custody program) with 90 days for turn-in (the metropolitan jail just reported a new case of COVID-19). Jones is still required to complete a minimum of 90 day out-patient treatment, maximum fines and fees, community service and all other requirements of reporting to probation. His attorney and Mr. Jones have been made aware that if he fails to do this, the State will seek to impose the balance of any jail time without regard for any exceptional circumstances.”
What about UFC punishment for Jon Jones?
That will likely end the saga for Jones as far as legal repercussions go. As for his career, the jury is still out.
UFC president Dana White has yet to comment on the situation, though there have been calls for Jones to be suspended or stripped of his light heavyweight belt for an incredible third time. There has also naturally been a torrent of schadenfreude against a UFC legend who has been unable to stay out of trouble.
Now that Jones’ legal situation has been sorted out, that could open the door for White to make a decision.
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