UFC champion Jon Jones is in trouble with the law again. This time the two division champion has been charged with two misdemeanors. The case involves a female drug-testing agent who filed a police report about his alleged behavior during a sample collection at his residence.
Jon Jones has been charged with assault, a petty misdemeanor, and interference with communications, which is also a misdemeanor. The entire ordeal involves drug-testing agents from UFC’s new anti-doping partners at Drug Free Sport. Among these agents was one Crystal Martinez who was sent to Jones’ house to collect a random sample. As per Martinez, Jones “appeared agitated” after he was unable to provide a urine sample upon which he was asked to provide a blood sample instead.
He then started asking them “if they had money” because he was going to sue them. Allegedly, Jones grabbed Martinez’s phone and started recording them. In her police statement, Martinez said she was “terrified” as the UFC champion was inches away from her during the incident. She was afraid Jones might hit her even though nothing happened.
UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones charged with 2 misdemeanors involving the case with the drug testing agents who visited his home in March.
Jones has vehemently denied the allegations
His next virtual court hearing is scheduled for July 17 #UFC https://t.co/DZv1syOnH5
— Damon Martin (@DamonMartin) July 15, 2024
As per news editor Damon Martin, MMA Fighting reportedly received an email from Bernalillo County Court representatives confirming that the MMA fighter is scheduled for a virtual bond hearing this July in New Mexico. If convicted of both misdemeanors, Jones could face jail time that would total less than one year. He would also pay a fine upto $500 for the petty misdemeanor and up to $1,000 for the misdemeanor.
What does Jon Jones have to say about these allegations against him?
Jon Jones has landed himself in trouble with the law before. However, this time he had his own story to tell. Jones defended himself against said allegations stating that none of the claims made against him were true. According to him, “the incident simply did not occur.” He issued a full statement describing his own version of the encounter with the drug testing agents.
Jon Jones claims all allegations are false; will submit plea in court (Image via Imago)Jones revealed in his statement that the testers visited while he was celebrating a birthday and taking a nap. Upon waking up, he was caught off guard by the unprofessionalism and protocol by one of the testers. This caused frustration leading to use of some profanity which he said he regrets. However, Jones emphasized that at no point did he threaten, get in anyone’s face, raise his voice to anyone, or engage in any form of assault.
While the case is pending, the judge will set conditions of release for Jones. This will be based on a plea from his side during his scheduled appearance this July. Jon Jones is preparing for his much anticipated UFC return, as he has been out since last year citing injury. Meanwhile, the case will be set for a bench trial in 30 to 45 days.
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