Jon Jones, the prodigious former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion, has put an end to his five month exile that started with a hit and run car accident. According to TMZ and various other reports livetweeting his hearing in Albuquerque, New Mexico, he’s pleaded guilty to leaving the scene of an crash (a fourth degree felony) and will serve 18 months probation. Jones is also required to make 72 personal appearances working with charities and speaking to children.
It’s a conditional discharge, which means that as long as he abides by conditions set by the judge and doesn’t violate his probation, he will not have a felony conviction on his record. Jones’ lawyer stressed a few reasons as to the hardship that a straight up felony conviction would place on Jones:
- Issues with licensing, travelling outside the country, and being in casinos with regards to his UFC fights.
- Throwing up red flags in his work with children.
- He’d be prohibited from owning a gun for home use since he’s a celebrity and thus always a high risk target.
The conditional discharge allows him to avoid all of that as long as he stays out of trouble for the next 18 months.
Jones lawyer called the ordeal a “wake up call,,” while Jones apologized to the victim as well as the judge, the police, and his fans/supporters, who he said he “embarrassed.” He made it clear that “I am here to accept full responsibility for my actions. I’m hoping that you guys can give me a chance to redeem myself.” As noted earlier, one supporter of note, UFC President Dana White, was at the hearing, as well.
When Jones returns to UFC action, he will get an immediate shot at regaining the light heavyweight title. Daniel Cormier defends the title against Alexander Gustafsson this Saturday (October 3rd) at UFC 192.
- Jon Jones Issues Statement On Guilty Plea In Hit & Run Case
- UFC Statement Regarding Jon Jones Pleading Guilty In His Hit & Run Case
