UFC light heavyweight Jon Jones lost his title last after a hit-and-run accident last year. He is set to fight new champion Daniel Cormier at UFC 197 on April 23, but his most recent driving infraction potentially put the fight in peril.
Jones was issued five citations earlier this week when a police officer alleges he engaged in racing another vehicle, without actually speeding. The citations were for drag racing, exhibition driving, weaving, failing to properly display his license plate, and modifying his exhaust pipe.
The officer noted Jones had revved his engine. Jones said he was merely responding to a fan. Jones can be seen on video footage bitterly denying the drag racing accusation, with Albuquerque police officer Jason Brown engaging in what was construed by some as goading or escalating behavior.
Internet personality FrontRowBrian alleges that officer brown has had at least one documented accusation of racial profiling in the past.
https://twitter.com/FrontRowBrian/status/714836300520628227
Jones has apologize for what he said, noting he let his emotions get the better of him.
“I was not drag racing nor was I speeding. I did not get a speeding ticket. I was driving within the speed limit of the 35mph zone,” said Jones in a statement. “I feel that police used a technicality to ticket me for drag racing, for simply revving my engine and acknowledging some of my local fans. I regrettably said words to the police officer out of frustration, for which I apologize for, but I do feel this was excessive.”
The ABQ PD has said the officer’s behavior was not contrary to their policy and expectations.
“Officer Brown is not under any type of review,” said a spokesperson to TMZ. “[His] interaction with Mr. Jones didn’t violate any standard operating procedures so further inquiry isn’t warranted. However, if Mr. Jones feels he was treated inappropriately, he may file a Citizen Police Complaint against Ofc. Brown, which would result in an investigation into the traffic stop.”
The citations led to Jones’ arrest, as they were construed as a violation of his probation. The fighter was held Tuesday and Wednesday nights at Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center. He was described as a model prisoner, and held separate from other inmates, due to his prominence.
“We house high-profile inmates separately,” said public affairs official NatauraPowdrell-Moore “For example, a police officer, corrections officer, judge, etc. Jon Jones is well known in Albuquerque, thus his high-profile status, and has been housed in Segregation away from general population for now.”
Jones has now been released, but has further restrictions:
•Requires permission of probation officer to use a motor vehicle;
•Completion of a driver-improvement course;
•Enrollment in an anger-management course; and,
•Completion of 60 additional hours of community service.
The Bernalillo County District Attorney had recommended that Jones be subject to a curfew, but the judge saw fit not to impose one. Lastly, judge Michael Martinez of the Bernalillo County (N.M.) District Court said Jon, if you do come back here, it won’t go well.”
Jones is now free to fight Daniel Cormier in the main event of UFC 197.
Former UFC contender Chael Sonnen, who has hid own run ins with authorities, offered a suggestion with genuine merit.
“Jon’s managers have to have this conversation,” said Sonnen, as transcribed by Anton Tabuena for BE. “It’s not like you and I are the only ones who have come to the conclusion that he needs to download himself the uber app. He needs to quit buying Ferraris and Bentleys, invest a little money in a chauffeur and get a driver.”
In all seriousness, given his track record with driving, and his precarious legal position, at the very, very least, Jon Jones needs to stop driving.
