MMA Fighting - Jon Jones DWI Case: Arrest and Sentencing Informationhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/52789/mma_minimal_navy..jpg2012-07-31T12:07:15-04:00http://www.mmafighting.com/rss/stream/29707212012-07-31T12:07:15-04:002012-07-31T12:07:15-04:00Jon Jones Sentenced in DWI Case, Avoids Any Jail Time
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<figcaption>Scott Cunningham, Getty Images | Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>UFC light heavyweight champion <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122514/jon-jones">Jon Jones</a> was sentenced Tuesday morning in his DWI case stemming from a May 19th car crash where Jones ran his vehicle into a utility pole in Binghamton, New York in the early morning hours.</p>
<p>The UFC champion was fined $1,000 and will have to install <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ignition_interlock_device">ignition interlocks</a> on all of his vehicles. Jones will also be required to complete a victim impact panel within 90 days. A New York resident, Jones also had his driver's license suspended for six months. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.pressconnects.com/article/20120731/NEWS01/307310024/-Bones-Jones-sentenced-DWI-crash-case?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGE&nclick_check=1">Pressconnects.com</a> was the first to report the news.</p>
<p>In late May, Jones <a href="http://www.mmafighting.com/ufc/2012/5/29/3050049/jon-jones-pleads-guilty-to-dwi-charge-will-likely-avoid-jail-time">pled guilty</a> to a misdemeanor charge of driving while intoxicated. Sentencing was <a href="http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2012/6/19/3096989/ufc-champion-jon-jones-dwi-arrest-sentencing-car-crash">delayed</a> on two <a href="http://www.pressconnects.com/article/20120703/NEWS01/120703004/Updated-UFC-champ-Jon-Jones-releases-statement-DWI-sentencing-delayed">occasions</a> so Jones could have more time to complete his court-mandated drug and alcohol evaluations.</p>
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<p>In his only official public statement released in July, Jones expressed remorse and regret over the incident. "Mr. Jones wishes to express the following to his fans, friends, and, most of all, his family: By pleading guilty on May 29, Mr. Jones accepted responsibility for his actions. This process has been a learning experience for this young man. He is remorseful for his conduct, but thankful for the opportunity to accept responsibility and to grow as a person. This experience has motivated Mr. Jones to achieve his maximum potential both professionally and personally."</p>
<p>However, the light heavyweight champion also sent <a href="http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2012/5/21/3034051/ufc-champ-jon-jones-dui-facebook-statement-arrest">an informal message</a> on Facebook in May to friends and supporters that expressed frustration at the criticism he faced in the wake of the arrest. "It has literally been sickening to have so many people try to kick me while I'm down. At the same time, I totally understand, I gave them the leeway to. I screwed up, big time. Just needed to say thank you to all you guys for being amazing friends/supporters," a portion of the message read.</p>
<p>With the incident behind him, Jones is free to continue his UFC career without obstruction. He defends his light heavyweight title against <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122555/dan-henderson">Dan Henderson</a> at <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fight-card/97820/ufc-151-jones-vs-henderson">UFC 151</a> on September 1.</p>
https://www.mmafighting.com/ufc/2012/7/31/3206603/ufc-jon-jones-sentenced-dwi-case-jail-time-mma-newsLuke Thomas2012-06-20T08:00:41-04:002012-06-20T08:00:41-04:00Morning Report: Anderson Silva Tries to Save Batman, Jon Jones DWI Hearing Postponed
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<figcaption>Zuffa LLC via Getty Images | Zuffa LLC via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Nothing much may have happened yesterday, but maybe that's a good thing with the current injury-a-day climate.</p>
<p>In fact, instead of getting hurt, a couple fan favorites actually did the opposite and found out when they can expect a clean bill of health. <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122473/jose-aldo" class="sbn-auto-link">Jose Aldo</a> anticipates <a target="_blank" href="http://www.mmamania.com/2012/6/19/3098358/jose-aldo-october-return-fight-vs-erik-koch-featherweight-ufc#storyjump">defending his title</a> against <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122964/erik-koch" class="sbn-auto-link">Erik Koch</a> in October, and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122571/thiago-alves" class="sbn-auto-link">Thiago Alves</a> hopes to <a target="_blank" href="http://www.mmamania.com/2012/6/19/3097639/thiago-alves-next-fight-ufc-return-december-surgery-mma">return to action</a> by mid-December. So that's good.</p>
<p>Also good: did you realize we're on the verge of experiencing an almost unprecedented two-day binge of mixed martial arts? <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fight-card/95370/ufc-on-fx-4" class="sbn-auto-link">UFC on FX 4</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fight-card/97409/bellator-71" class="sbn-auto-link">Bellator 71</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fight-card/95358/ufc-147" class="sbn-auto-link">UFC 147</a>, and <a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fight-card/97393/one-fighting-championship-4-destiny-of-warriors">ONE FC: Destiny of Warriors</a>, all in a span of 48 hours.</p>
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<p>Seriously, just look at that murderers' row. Maynard, Guida, Hioki, Rogers, Wanderlei, Franklin, Werdum, Babalu, Huerta, Imanari. If a few more slow days is what it takes to see each and every one of those guys scrap, then count me in.</p>
<p><img src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/images/blog/star-divide.v5e9d7f1.jpg" alt="Star-divide"></p>
<p><b>5 MUST-READ STORIES</b></p>
<p><b>Jones sentencing postponed. </b>New York's Binghamton City Court <a target="_blank" href="http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2012/6/19/3096989/ufc-champion-jon-jones-dwi-arrest-sentencing-car-crash">postponed the sentencing</a> of UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones' guilty plea for driving while intoxicated (DWI). The proceedings, which were initially slated to take place June 19, will now be held July 3.</p>
<p><b>Aldo, Alves target return dates. </b>Injured UFC featherweight champion Jose Aldo expects to <a target="_blank" href="http://www.mmamania.com/2012/6/19/3098358/jose-aldo-october-return-fight-vs-erik-koch-featherweight-ufc#storyjump">return to action</a> sometime in November, while his sidelined countryman, Thiago Alves, is <a target="_blank" href="http://www.mmamania.com/2012/6/19/3097639/thiago-alves-next-fight-ufc-return-december-surgery-mma">targeting a return</a> in December,</p>
<p><b>Hardy vs. Sadollah. </b>Welterweight bruiser Dan Hardy is <a target="_blank" href="http://www.mmafighting.com/2012/6/19/3098370/dan-hardy-vs-amir-sadollah-slated-for-ufc-nottingham">slated to meet</a> TUF 7 winner Amir Sadollah at UFC on FUEL 5 in his hometown of Nottingham, England on September 29, 2012.</p>
<p><b>Rogers grateful for second chance. </b>Following a 60-day stint in jail that splashed his mugshot across the internet, led to his Zuffa release, and tarnished his name for a majority of fight fans, former heavyweight contender Brett Rogers is ready to <a href="http://www.mmafighting.com/bellator/2012/6/19/3097627/after-stint-in-jail-brett-rogers-grateful-for-second-chance-bellator-71-mma" target="_blank">make the most of his second chance</a> at Bellator 71.</p>
<p><b>UFC 147 ticket refund. </b>Due to the flood of injuries that significantly crippled UFC 147, UFC officials are permitting three days to <a href="http://www.mmamania.com/2012/6/19/3097535/ufc-147-ticket-refund-brazil-silva-franklin" target="_blank">request a full refund</a> for Brazilian fans who bought tickets to the event.</p>
<p><b><img src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/images/blog/star-divide.v5e9d7f1.jpg" alt="Star-divide"></b></p>
<p style="font-weight: bold;"><b>MEDIA STEW</b></p>
<p>Whether it was the language barrier or just minor reclusiveness, for a long time the MMA community had difficulty grasping what <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122568/anderson-silva" class="sbn-auto-link">Anderson Silva</a> was about really about. But now he's seemingly everywhere, and we find out he's really just a guy who dreams up ideas on how to 'save the Batman series.' <b>(Seriously though, save the Batman series? Just one more month until </b><a href="http://youtu.be/ASQqjK47c04" target="_blank"><i>Dark Knight Rises</i></a><b>, people.)</b></p>
<p><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/aBVbizQ4ZSE" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560"></iframe></p>
<p style="font-weight: bold;"><b><img src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/images/blog/star-divide.v5e9d7f1.jpg" alt="Star-divide"></b></p>
<p>Speaking of Anderson Silva, <strike>ten bucks</strike> a congratulatory handshake goes to the person who can watch this <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fight-card/95371/ufc-148" class="sbn-auto-link">UFC 148</a> spot and not get chills.</p>
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<p><b><img src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/images/blog/star-divide.v5e9d7f1.jpg" alt="Star-divide"></b></p>
<p>I don't know about you, but when I was growing up I was <a target="_blank" href="http://youtu.be/TkyLnWm1iCs">promised hoverboards</a> by the year 2012. Well, it's 2012. Where the hell are my hoverboards? Honestly, I'd even settle for a better version of these babies, so we can take our first step towards <i>Real Steel</i> type robot MMA superfights.</p>
<p><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/rMSxhspcFIg" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560"></iframe></p>
<p style="font-weight: bold;"><img src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/images/blog/star-divide.v5e9d7f1.jpg" alt="Star-divide"></p>
<p>Most of you probably know Dana White has been struggling with a rare inner ear disease, but some may not understand how badly the disease is lording over White's life.</p>
<p><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/AuPiDp_YHBw" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560"></iframe></p>
<p style="font-weight: bold;"><img src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/images/blog/star-divide.v5e9d7f1.jpg" alt="Star-divide"></p>
<p><b>THERE'S A WHOLE LOT OF MIDDLE GROUND THERE</b></p>
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<p>If u've never seen an episode of that@<a href="https://twitter.com/KimKardashian">KimKardashian</a> & family show, or the like. Be proud of yourself, u're not useless.<a href="https://twitter.com/search/%2523ThugjitsuThoughts">#ThugjitsuThoughts</a></p>
— <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/129164/yves-edwards" class="sbn-auto-link">Yves Edwards</a> (@thugjitsumaster) <a data-datetime="2012-06-19T21:11:44+00:00" href="https://twitter.com/thugjitsumaster/status/215190150924337153">June 19, 2012</a>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>On another note; if you have that kardashian show or NEthing like it on your DVR, I hope you die in a fire of AIDS. <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%2523ThugjitsuThoughts">#ThugjitsuThoughts</a></p>
— Yves Edwards (@thugjitsumaster) <a data-datetime="2012-06-19T21:34:33+00:00" href="https://twitter.com/thugjitsumaster/status/215195893526298624">June 19, 2012</a>
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<p><img src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/images/blog/star-divide.v5e9d7f1.jpg" alt="Star-divide"></p>
<p><b>INJURY UPDATE </b></p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Great news just talked to my Doctor and my PT. They both told me I'll be back fighting again by December! I can't wait! <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%2523Spartangottaeat">#Spartangottaeat</a></p>
— Thiago Alves. (@ThiagoAlvesATT) <a href="https://twitter.com/ThiagoAlvesATT/status/215137898981371904" data-datetime="2012-06-19T17:44:06+00:00">June 19, 2012</a>
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<p><b><img src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/images/blog/star-divide.v5e9d7f1.jpg" alt="Star-divide"></b></p>
<p style="font-weight: bold;">WOULD PAY TO WATCH</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>I rewatched the Pacquiao x Bradley fight this weekend w/@<a href="https://twitter.com/simonelegno">simonelegno</a> . Great fight by Bradley but he still loses. 7 to 5 for Pacman. <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%2523boxing">#boxing</a></p>
— <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/129198/josh-barnett" class="sbn-auto-link">Josh Barnett</a> (@JoshLBarnett) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoshLBarnett/status/214939221536935936" data-datetime="2012-06-19T04:34:38+00:00">June 19, 2012</a>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>But for the rematch how about we do Pacquaio x Bradley 2 MMA? 10x5x5 PRIDE rules. There'd be a finish for sure. <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%2523mmaoverboxing">#mmaoverboxing</a></p>
— Josh Barnett (@JoshLBarnett) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoshLBarnett/status/214939865480040448" data-datetime="2012-06-19T04:37:11+00:00">June 19, 2012</a>
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<p><img src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/images/blog/star-divide.v5e9d7f1.jpg" alt="Star-divide" style="font-weight: bold;"></p>
<p style="font-weight: bold;"><b>FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS</b></p>
<p style="font-weight: bold;"><b> Announced yesterday (Tuesday, June 19, 2012):</b></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12px;">UFC on FUEL 5: Dan Hardy (24-10, 1 NC) vs. Amir Sadollah (6-3)</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12px;">UFC on FUEL 5: <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/132857/che-mills" class="sbn-auto-link">Che Mills</a> (14-5) vs. <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/125022/duane-ludwig" class="sbn-auto-link">Duane Ludwig</a> (21-13)</span></p>
<p><img src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/images/blog/star-divide.v5e9d7f1.jpg" alt="Star-divide" style="font-weight: bold;"></p>
<p style="font-weight: bold;"><b>FANPOST OF THE DAY</b></p>
<p>Today's Fanpost of the Day comes from Michael Rome, who offers an against-the-grain film review: <a href="http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2012/6/16/3091020/thoughts-on-like-water" target="_blank">Thoughts On Anderson Silva Documentary 'Like Water'</a></p>
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<p>I had a chance to watch Like Water this evening. To date, I've seen the film showered with praise, and I'd like to offer a different view. To be sure, the documentary is a riveting piece of work, but it fails the ultimate test: it doesn't convey the narrative as it really was.</p>
<p>Like Water suffers from a fatal flaw: it does not accurately convey the mood of the time. Fans were *angry* with Anderson Silva after the Demian Maia fight. It was his third embarrassing performance out of his last four fights. The performances weren't just boring, they demonstrated an appalling arrogance and a level of contempt that was sickening. The film portrays anyone who was upset about those performances as a meathead, falling right into the trap of believing there are only two choices: an outright brawl, or the kind of performance Anderson put on in Abu Dhabi. Any sophisticated fight fan knows this is not the case.</p>
<p>The portrayal of Chael Sonnen is also disappointing. Chael's journey from the summer of 2009 through his suspension was one of the most interesting sports stories of the last few years. A career journeyman somehow pulled together a string of dominant wins over the number 2 and 3 fighters in the world, and then gave an invincible champion a true run for his money. Instead of capturing this, "Like Water" treats him as little more than a big mouth.</p>
<p>Chael Sonnen was the first (and only) fighter in the UFC to fight Anderson with reckless abandon. He showed no fear when the fight started--he did what he said he'd do: he walked across the cage and got in a fist fight in Oakland, California. Given Anderson's highlight reel, and the number of top fighters who have cowered when standing across the cage from him, this is a critical piece of the story that goes untold in "Like Water."</p>
</blockquote>
<p style="font-weight: bold;"><b>Found something perfect for the Morning Report? Just hit me on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/shaunalshatti" target="_blank">@shaunalshatti</a> and we'll include it in tomorrow's post.</b></p>
https://www.mmafighting.com/ufc/2012/6/20/3097742/morning-report-ufc-anderson-silva-tries-save-batman-jon-jones-dwi-sentencing-postponed-mmaShaun Al-Shatti2012-05-29T12:41:13-04:002012-05-29T12:41:13-04:00Jon Jones Pleads Guilty to DWI Charge, Will Likely Avoid Jail Time
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<img alt="Esther Lin, MMA Fighting" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/0EXpjt4HawlRVnX3EUeAyn2cXAI=/0x0:1100x733/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/assets/1067086/002_Jon_Jones.jpg" />
<figcaption>Esther Lin, MMA Fighting</figcaption>
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<p>In a Tuesday court hearing, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122514/jon-jones">Jon Jones</a> pled guilty to a misdemeanor charge of driving while intoxicated, stemming from an incident in the early hours of May 19 in which he crashed his 2012 Bentley into a telephone pole in Binghamton, New York.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.pressconnects.com/article/20120529/NEWS01/120529009/-Bones-Jones-pleads-guilty-DWI-Binghamton-City-Court?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGE&nclick_check=1">According to The Press & Sun-Bulletin</a>, after Jones made the plea in Binghamton City Court, judge Daniel Seidin suspended his driving privileges and ordered him to undergo an alcohol abuse and dependency evaluation.</p>
<p>Related misdemeanor charges for an improper turn and deviating from a direct course were dismissed, <a href="http://www.wbng.com/news/local/Jon-Jones-Pleads-Guilty-to-DWI-155370785.html">according to WBNG</a>, which noted that under a plea deal, Jones' attorney expects him to receive a fine and a conditional discharge.</p>
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<p>According to the reports, Jones' next hearing on the matter will be on June 19. He faces up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine.</p>
<p>Jones' arrest came less than one month after his last match, a <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fight-card/92541/ufc-145-jones-vs-evans">UFC 145</a> unanimous decision victory over <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122510/rashad-evans">Rashad Evans</a>, a victory that marked his fourth consecutive against a onetime UFC champion.</p>
<p>The incident has not changed the UFC's plan to have Jones defend his light-heavyweight championship against <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122555/dan-henderson">Dan Henderson</a> on September 1 in Las Vegas.</p>
<p>Last week, Jones flew to Las Vegas to meet with UFC president Dana White and Zuffa CEO Lorenzo Fertitta. Over the weekend, White reasserted his support of Jones through the legal issues.</p>
<p>"He's a young kid. He's a young kid and he's going to need a lot of guidance," he said. "The kid is incredibly talented, he's starting to make tons of money and he's getting really famous. Those are all the recipes for disaster."</p>
<p> </p>
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https://www.mmafighting.com/ufc/2012/5/29/3050049/jon-jones-pleads-guilty-to-dwi-charge-will-likely-avoid-jail-timeMike Chiappetta2012-05-20T11:34:01-04:002012-05-20T11:34:01-04:00For Jon Jones, a Stumbling Block, and a Chance to Show True Character
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<img alt="Paul Abell-US PRESSWIRE" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/0al-JBEHg4w02dGJPDGLamiqyyQ=/0x0:1000x667/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/photo_images/6602709/20120421_jla_sa2_931.jpg" />
<figcaption>Paul Abell-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>Drunk-driving isn't a stupid mistake; it's a stupid decision, one often made by otherwise intelligent people. We all know the potential risks and the real costs, so not much more needs to be said about that.<br><br><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122514/jon-jones">Jon Jones</a> will have a penalty to pay, if as the Broome County, New York Sheriff's Department alleges, he made this same stupid decision in the wee hours of Saturday morning. The UFC light-heavyweight champion may face jail time and a fine.<br><br>All things considered, it could have been a lot worse. Thankfully, no one else was hurt, and he didn't suffer any injuries that will affect his career.</p>
<p>If in the end, it simply costs him a car (his Bentley was reportedly totaled), some sponsorship money, a fine and community service, he will have certainly dodged a bullet. But for a man who has been accused of artificially crafting a squeaky clean reputation, the damage goes beyond the tangible and the legal. He has dented his own good name.</p>
<p>In times of adversity, true character is revealed. You are among the many who thought him to be a "fraud"? You wanted to know about the "real" Jon Jones? Here you go.</p>
<p>There is no permanent hiding place from this. At some point, he will re-enter the public arena and talk about it, and maybe Jones and the army of skeptics can reach an understanding that he's parts revolutionary athlete and normal human, equally capable of temporary brilliance in a cage and like anyone else, momentary idiocy in real life.<br><br>Jones' reputation has been one that many felt was a little too carefully cultivated. This has always puzzled me. Why shouldn't a professional athlete always try to put his best foot forward? There were plenty who called him a fake, as though all of us reveal every bit of ourselves to the world at all times. That's why it came as no surprise that some were downright celebratory at the news of his arrest, so desperate to be right that his image was a sham that they were willing to cheer another person's failure. <br><br>Regardless of what Jones has said or done in the past, he has never claimed to be anything other than a human being, and any human is capable of having bad -- even terrible -- judgment from from time to time. <br><br>Jones is 24 years old. He may have accomplished a lot at a young age; he may be a father, but he is still a young man. <br><br>This does not excuse what he allegedly did. It is not a reason for it, either. It's just a realization that judgment is sometimes clouded by the seeming indestructibility of youth. It's no accident that according to government statistics, the highest percentage of drunk drivers are the ones from ages 21-24.<br><br>Once you start getting a little older and have some time behind you, you realize that for many, youth is a time spent doing stupid things and hoping to survive. <br><br>Luckily for him, he did. On the other hand, his life is about to get a lot less comfortable. He's going to have answer questions, he's going to get stares and the criticism? It's just getting started. Advertisers will most certainly not be pleased. His long-hoped-for deal with Nike? That's probably going to the back burner for the foreseeable future. <br><br>How will he handle all that? <br><br>It's always easy to smile and present yourself to the world when times are good. It's not so easy when the world is looking down their noses at you. Money can buy you a good lawyer, a PR team and a new Bentley, but it can't restore a reputation.<br><br>Addressing those issues are ultimately up to Jones. <br><br>So far, he's said little. His usually active Twitter account has been silent since early Friday evening <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/JonnyBones/status/204037764071686144">except for a single Tweet reading "God is good."</a> His Facebook page and website haven't been updated in days. The only words uttered by anyone connected to Jones have come from his management, simply confirming the arrest and offering their support.<br><br>The UFC is unlikely to penalize him. UFC president Dana White didn't discipline featherweight <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122622/ross-pearson">Ross Pearson</a> following his own recent DUI charges.<br><br>"I'm a realist," White said at the time. "You can't expect all these people to be perfect. I understand they're role models. They're human beings. They're going to make mistakes. I'm one of those guys that believes we're all going to make mistakes. It's how you handle it after you make that mistake that tells you who you really are."<br><br>White will most certainly take the same approach with Jones. That means he's only going to face the Broome County courts, and the court of public opinion. In the former, he'll only need to have an understanding of the law. In the latter, he'll need the candid truth.</p>
<p>If you believe that Jones' reputation was a crock, then you should also believe the public backlash he's going to receive is just as important to him as his legal situation. His reputation is right now the only thing other than his car that was damaged by the incident. If you wanted a dent in the Jones' facade, you got one. If that is a cause for celebration for you, well, that just proves that you, too, are capable of stupid decisions. The rest of us will wait to see if the real Jon Jones steps up to show his true character.</p>
https://www.mmafighting.com/ufc/2012/5/20/3031614/for-jon-jones-a-stumbling-block-and-a-chance-to-show-true-characterMike Chiappetta2012-05-19T14:05:21-04:002012-05-19T14:05:21-04:00Jon Jones Arrested on Suspicion of DUI in Upstate New York (Updated)
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<img alt="Esther Lin, MMA Fighting" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/0EXpjt4HawlRVnX3EUeAyn2cXAI=/0x0:1100x733/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/assets/1067086/002_Jon_Jones.jpg" />
<figcaption>Esther Lin, MMA Fighting</figcaption>
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<p>UFC light heavyweight champion <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122514/jon-jones">Jon Jones</a> was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence early Saturday morning in upstate New York, his management team confirmed Saturday, shortly after news of the arrest was reported by <a target="_blank" href="http://www.tmz.com/2012/05/19/jon-jones-ufc-arrested-dui/?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter">TMZ.com</a>.</p>
<p>According to the TMZ report, Jones was involved in a car accident at around 5 a.m. in Binghamton, N.Y., near his hometown of Ithaca. TMZ claims that Jones crashed his Bentley into a pole and was arrested on the scene, though those details were not confirmed by his management.</p>
<p>First Round Management, which represents Jones, sent out a statement confirming the arrest and asking for privacy on behalf of the fighter and his family.</p>
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<p>"I can confirm that Jon Jones was arrested early this morning on suspicion of DUI," First Round Management's Malki Kawa said in the statement. "While the facts of this situation are still being gathered and situated, First Round Management fully supports Jon and we are asking for fans and media to respect the privacy of Jon and his family during this time."</p>
<p>There's no word yet as to whether Jones sustained any injuries in the incident, though TMZ reports that he was taken into custody by the Broome County Sheriff and released after his mother posted his bond.</p>
<p>Jones is expected to defend his title against former <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/promotion/strikeforce">Strikeforce</a> and Pride champion <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122555/dan-henderson">Dan Henderson</a> at <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fight-card/97820/ufc-151">UFC 151</a> on September 1 in Las Vegas. There's no word yet on whether the arrest and the alleged car accident might interfere with those plans, and the UFC has yet to release a statement on the matter.</p>
<p>Jones last competed at <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fight-card/92541/ufc-145-jones-vs-evans">UFC 145</a> in Atlanta, where he successfully defended his title against former UFC champion <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122510/rashad-evans">Rashad Evans</a>.</p>
<p><b>Update:</b> According to the Broome County Sheriff's Office, Jones was arrested at 5:02 a.m. after suffering "minor injuries" following a one-car accident wherein his car struck a pole. Sheriff's office officials refused to comment on whether there were any passengers in the car with Jones at the time of the accident.</p>
https://www.mmafighting.com/2012/5/19/3030887/jon-jones-arrested-on-suspicion-of-dui-in-upstate-new-yorkBen Fowlkes