Jon Jones tests positive for cocaine metabolites, enters drug treatment program
Jon Jones: “With the support of my family, I have entered into a drug treatment facility… I am taking this treatment program very seriously.”
“With the support of my family, I have entered into a drug treatment facility. I want to apologize to my fiancée, my children, as well as my mother, father, and brothers for the mistake that I made. I also want to apologize to the UFC, my coaches, my sponsors and equally important to my fans. I am taking this treatment program very seriously. Therefore, at this time my family and I would appreciate privacy.”
-Jon Jones
Kevin Iole has the story.
In a random drug test given to him on Dec. 4 by the Nevada Athletic Commission, Jones tested positive for benzoylecgonine, the main metabolite in cocaine.
The Nevada commission follows the World Anti-Doping Agency code and benzoylecgonine is not banned out-of-competition. As a result, the commission was unable to penalize Jones or prevent him from fighting despite knowing of the positive test.
It conducted a follow-up random test a short while later that Jones passed.
“I am pleased that Mr. Jones is addressing this issue and seeking help for his problem,” said Francisco Aguilar, chairman of the Nevada Athletic Commission.
“Out of competition” is defined by WADA as any time except for the 12 hours before a competition. A fighter cannot compete while high on an illegal recreational drug, but use of recreational drugs out of competition falls beyond the control of the AC. The issue is expected to be visited by the NAC in future. Use of Performance Enhancing Drugs out of competition is of course another matter entirely, and can fall within in the control of the AC.
The UFC published an official statement on their website.
“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.”
UFC president Dana White also offered encouragement.
“I am proud of Jon Jones for making the decision to enter a drug treatment facility. I’m confident that he’ll emerge from this program like the champion he truly is.”
In a surprise to some, Reebok as well stood by the athlete.
We commend Jon for taking the necessary steps to address this issue, and we will support him in any way we can. The status of Jon’s relationship with Reebok has not changed.
Jones’ substance abuse issue is unfortunately not a rare one. While estimates vary on the number of people in the USA who use cocaine at least one time per month, 1.5 million is a widely accepted figure within the research community.
There is a meanness in the human soul that crows when the mighty fall to human frailty, but it serves no one. Hopefully before too long Jones is able to get back to work being the best fighter in the sport. The experience should leave him older, wiser, and more humble, hopefully.