Jon Jones Gets 18 Months Probation For New Mexico Hit & Run
The long and drawn out case of Jon Jones was wrapped today, as the former UFC light-heavyweight champion faced the music for his New Mexico hit & run in April. It was recently revealed that a maximum sentence of 18 months imprisonment was on the table, and also a $5000 fine, as ‘Bones’ sought a plea deal with the prosecuting attorneys.
Citing witnesses, authorities say Jones ran from the scene of a crash in the early hours of the morning in question that left a pregnant woman with a broken arm, before returning to the rental car he had wrecked to grab hands full of cash. Subsequent footage showed police officers found a marijuana pipe, condoms and Jones’ ID.
The UFC also had to deal with a fair whack of negative media earlier in the year, with Jones failing an OOC (out of competition) drug test for cocaine before his UFC 182 decision win over current champ Daniel Cormier. The results of the drug screen, taken in late 2014, were withheld until after the January bout with ‘DC’.
The results of Jones’ arraignment hearing in Albuquerque are in, as various sources including Marc Raimondi report the outcome of Jon Jones’ court hearing:
Judge grants Jones a conditional discharge. Jones gets supervised probation for up to 18 months.
— Marc Raimondi (@marc_raimondi) September 29, 2015
Jones: “I am here to accept full responsibility for my actions. I’m hoping that you guys can give me a chance to redeem myself.” — Marc Raimondi (@marc_raimondi) September 29, 2015
Dana White in court supporting Jon Jones per TMZ – he’s pleaded guilty to leaving the scene of an accident. Talking about probation now. — 2on4 Sports (@2on4Sports) September 29, 2015
Jones apologizes to the court, to the victim and the officers. He apologizes to his supporters, who he “embarrassed.” — Marc Raimondi (@marc_raimondi) September 29, 2015
Lawyer saying UFC fights take place in casinos and a felony charge could prevent Jones from competing in a place like that. — Marc Raimondi (@marc_raimondi) September 29, 2015
Jones’ lawyer is asking for a conditional discharge, which is basically a probational release with certain conditions.
— Marc Raimondi (@marc_raimondi) September 29, 2015
Not even a fine or fees? Few expected Jones to face any real hard time for his crimes, but do you think this punishment is a little lenient? After all, anyone who couldn’t afford a top level attorney could be looking at a good few years behind bars for the same infraction.
This news doesn’t really give us any more clues on when ‘Bones’ will be back in the octagon, if ever at all, but there’s plenty of speculation that the proposed April 23, 2016 UFC 198 event in Madison Square Garden, New York could well be a potential comeback date for Jones.
We’ll await word from the UFC, but best case scenario for Jones is that he puts in his time for community service, whips up some positive PR and gets welcomed back to the Zuffa club with open arms. Worst case scenario? The UFC completely washes their hands of ‘Bones’, but that’s highly unlikely to say the least.
Stay tuned!
