The UFC Champ Jon Jones Tests Positive for Cocaine and Enters Rehab
Jon Jones was at the top of his division. He had a lot of things going for himself. He defended his UFC light heavyweight belt 8 times, which is a big deal, especially with all of the new fighters being added into the UFC. Then something horrible happened, the UFC champ Jon Jones tests positive for cocaine before his 8th title defense.
NSAC executive director Bob Bennett confirmed the news that Jones, 27, tested positive for benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine. Bennett also stated what Jones plan of action was, “Jones has checked himself into a rehab center.”
This information has sent many people reeling over the manner in which this situation is being handled.
Jon Jones’ urine test sample was gathered on December 4th and analyzed by a World Anti-Doping Agency-approved lab. The results of his test were issued on December 23, 2014, with his fight being scheduled for January 3, 2015. The commission let Jones fight without a fine or any consequences. Why did they let him fight? The commission considered the results to be out of competition. Apparently, the WADA lists benzoylecgonine as a banned substance only in competition. That is why the fight was able to continue. A major question raised is, why isn’t this drug banned completely? Cocaine is an illegal drug. Why are we allowing this behavior? People will see that Jones did not get punished in any way and assume that there are no consequences to abusing cocaine. In May 2012, Jones was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving. Jon Jones drove his car into a telephone pole in New York. Jones pleaded guilty and was fined $1,000. He also had his driver’s license suspended six months. Once again, the consequences were not strict enough. Many believe Jones was allowed to fight, because this was a huge title fight that brought in a lot of money for the UFC.
The UFC later released a statement stating, “We support UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones’ decision to enter a drug treatment facility to address his recent issue.” The UFC statement continues, “While we are disappointed in the failed test, we applaud him for making this decision to enter a drug treatment facility.” They go on to applauded Jones, “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.”
With other fighters in the UFC being kicked out of the sport, wins taken back, and fights canceled because of testing positive for marijuana or even for writing something bad on their Twitter accounts, how does this company stand by their decision to let Jones fight and keep his belt? Would this outcome be the same if Jon Jones was not on a huge winning streak? It is clear the UFC has their favorites and with this behavior, they are only enabling them to continue down a dark path.