Chael Sonnen Thinks Jon Jones Should Stop Giving Out Fake Apologies
Former multi-division title challenger Chael Sonnen is no stranger to controversy, retiring from the sport of mixed martial arts (MMA) last year after failing multiple drug tests. “The American Gangster” is also no stranger to former light heavyweight king Jon “Bones” Jones, who was recently pulled from his upcoming fight and stripped of his title after being arrested on felony charges for his alleged involvement in an Albuquerque hit-and-run accident.
The two men coached against each other on the The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 17 and eventually met at UFC 159 where Jones dominated Sonnen in brutal fashion. However, Sonnen, who is known for his speaking skills and outrageous trash talk, has some advice for the now disgraced Jones on how to deal with fans.
Speaking on TSN’s “Off The Record” (via MMAJunkie), “The American Gangster” noted what Jones will probably do, but also voiced his opinion on what Jones should do, and it’s some rather questionable advice:
“For Jon, it is important. He’s going to go PR 101. He’s going to put out some statements, ‘Pray for me, think of my family, support me in this time’ – all of this stuff that’s very boring, but it does have a history of working.
“If he called me, and I’m probably the last guy he should call, the advice I would give him is, ‘Jon, get to a computer and send out the following tweet: ‘If you thought you hated me before…’ and don’t say another word.”
Despite Jones’ actions, the MMA world was stunned when the UFC took immediate action and actually stripped the former champion of his belt. Although Sonnen admits that action had to be taken by the promotion, he’s not quite sure the belt should’ve been stripped:
“You have to take some type of action – I support that, but I don’t fully know what it means to strip a guy of his belt and if you look at the history of fighting, you get stripped for two things – you don’t fight, or you’re unable to fight,” Sonnen said. “That isn’t the situation here.
“I just think if you’re going to part ways with a guy, you cut him completely, (and) you bring him back when you’re ready. I’m not second-guessing the move – I’ve just never heard of it and it’s never been done before.”
Cutting the “best fighter in the world” (Jones is technically unranked as of now) and the face of the organization probably didn’t cross the UFC’s mind as Sonnen brought up.
Continuing on, “The American Gangster” discussed Jones’ behavior, and rather than telling the former champion to get his act together as most fighters have, Sonnen basically told Jones to be himself, and do as he pleases:
“I don’t issue apologies,” Sonnen said. “In this particular case, you’re talking about a crime. This is a little bit different. I think Jon does have a discussion to have here, but he doesn’t need to keep coming out and giving fake apologies. If the guy likes to live a wild life, then go live your wild life. We’ve seen plenty of stars go and do that.
“It depends on what your objective is. I’m talking about getting a guy over and getting the pay-per-view buys. If you’re talking about him cleaning up his image, listen, why bother? You are who you are. If you want to tune in, tune in. I don’t understand why he does it. I think the PR advice he gets, I could pick up any book in the library and tell you exactly the next thing he’s going to say. It’s very standard. It’s template.”
The always outspoken Sonnen is never shy to voice his sometimes quirky opinions. Do you agree with his advice in this case?
