Jon "Bones" Jones appeared to cement his status as the top mixed martial artist in the world last Saturday when he defended his UFC light heavyweight championship against Daniel Cormier in Las Vegas, but his greatest fight might be yet to come.
Jones checked himself into a rehab facility this week after it came to light that prior to the Cormier fight he had tested positive for benzoylecgonine, the main metabolite in cocaine. During a random test administered on December 4 he tested positive for the benzoylecgonine, but was allowed to defend his belt because World Anti-Doping Agency rules do not ban it out of competition.
So even though the Nevada State Athletic Commission was aware of the positive test, Jones they were essentially powerless to act on it. Jones then passed a follow-up examination later in the month.
Francisco Aguilar, the chairman of the Nevada commission, has said he will revisit out-of-competition rules at the next meeting, and could part ways with WADA regulations.
Jones released a statement apologizing for his current situation.
"With the support of my family, I have entered into a drug treatment facility. I want to apologize to my fiancée, my children, as well as my mother, father, and brothers for the mistake that I made. I also want to apologize to the UFC, my coaches, my sponsors and equally important to my fans. I am taking this treatment program very seriously. Therefore, at this time my family and I would appreciate privacy," Jones said through his attorney.
The UFC also issued a statement about the test, expressing disappointment in his choices outside the Octagon but commending the steps he's taking to fix his problems.
"We support UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones' decision to enter a drug treatment facility to address his recent issue. While we are disappointed in the failed test, we applaud him for making this decision to enter a drug treatment facility. Jon is a strong, courageous fighter inside the Octagon, and we expect him to fight this issue with the same poise and diligence. We commend him on his decision, and look forward to him emerging from this program a better man as a result."
[Yahoo!]
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