UFC light-heavyweight champion Jon Jones has pleaded guilty to driving while intoxicated following his arrest for an incident in New Mexico on March 26. The plea deal includes Jones serving one year of supervised probation, 96 consecutive hours in a community custody program (comparable to house arrest) and completing 48 hours of community service. He is also required to participate in a 90-day outpatient treatment program.
“His attorney and Mr. Jones have been made aware that if he fails to do this, the state will seek to impose the balance of any jail time without regard for any exceptional circumstances,” Bernalillo County district attorney director of communications Michael Patrick said.
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Jones was arrested on March 26 in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and was originally charged with driving while intoxicated, negligent use of a deadly weapon, possession of an open container of alcohol and no proof of insurance. Besides pleading guilty to the DWI, the other three charges have been dropped pending approval by a judge.
The 32-year old champion addressed the situation in a statement via his publicist on Tuesday.
“While we all work to understand and cope with stress and uncertainties surrounding the current state of our world, I want to express how truly disappointed I am that I have become the source of a negative headline again, especially during these trying times,” Jones said. “I am disappointed for letting down the people I care about the most, my family, friends and my fans.
“I accept full responsibility for my actions and I know that I have some personal work to do to which involves the unhealthy relationship I have with alcohol. I have dedicated so much time and energy to improve my community and I will not allow this personal setback to hinder my work within the community when we need it most. I truly appreciate the support I have received from the community of Albuquerque and all my fans around the world. I very much look forward to putting this behind me. Thanks you all for your continued love and support and please take care of yourselves.”
Jones is required to wear an ankle monitor and will have to pass a breathalyzer test that is built into the key ignition switch in his vehicle before he drives anywhere. Under the supervision of the Bernalillo County’s Community Custody Program (CCP), the 32-year-old is also required to receive random drug testing. A failed test may impact his house arrest privileges.
UFC president Dana White has yet to comment on the matter.
