Rashad Evans: I hope Jon Jones can move forward from his arrest
Appearing on “UFC Tonight,” Rashad Evans had some comments on his rival Jon Jones‘s recent arrest for DWI and subsequent plea bargain. The comments made by Evans are not in the nature one would think. Evans stated he was not surprised by the May 19th incident:
“Honestly, it is hard to really say if it surprised me. I hate to see that happen to someone. Thankfully, no one got hurt and hopefully he can move forward from it.” via Bloodyelbow.com
Evans could have taken the time to trash his rival, but instead he showed gratitude for the lack of serious injury surrounding the crash. He even went as far as to wish his old training partner and foe the ability to move on from the incident. Evans could have taken this opportunity and ran with it, lambasting his seemingly hated former friend in the face of a very controversial arrest. But he did not. Evans has showed a great amount of maturity and grace in addressing the subject, and appears to have let go of the hate he harnessed to fuel and hype his UFC 145 title bout with Jones. Evans moves on with hope for the best, knowing that it may not have shocked him like it did many others further from the subject.
Jones came out with a statement acknowledging his mistake but also criticizing all of the “fickle” MMA fans who were deriding him for his arrest. Dana White also expressed much disappointment at the issue, and stated that Jones had a lot to learn as the champion. However he will stand by the young fighter’s side, with no further punishment by the UFC deemed necessary.
The whole incident has made many look at the Light Heavyweight champion in a new light. Is he a young man who simply made a mistake, or is someone who let fame get to his head and now focuses blame on the fans who criticize him? The way that Jon Jones handles the next year with the media, fans, and the UFC will have a great deal on where his career heads, and ultimately, his legacy.
Further Reading: Jon Jones enters guilty plea for DWI charge
