UFC Champ Jon Jones tests positive for Cocaine
We are just about 72 hours removed from UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones’ eight title defense and even though the champion appeared to be near flawless inside the cage he has suffered a devastating blow that will continue to tarnish the reputation that he already has with fans.
Jones has entered a rehab facility after testing positive for benzoylecgonine, the main metabolite in cocaine. Jones was tested by the Nevada State Athletic Commission on Dec. 4.
The Nevada commission follows the World Anti-Doping Agency code and benzoylecgonine is not banned out-of-competition. As a result, the commission was unable to penalize Jones or prevent him from fighting despite knowing of the positive test.
On a second test at a later date Jones passed.
The test given to Jones was analyzed for anabolic agents, peptide hormones, growth factors and related substances, beta-2 agonists, hormone and metabolic modulators, diuretics and other masking agents, stimulants, narcotics, canabinoids and glucocorticosteroids.
Jones released a statement to Yahoo Sports through his attorney acknowledging his problem.
“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.”
STATEMENT FROM THE UFC:
“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.”
STATEMENT FROM DANA WHITE, UFC PRESIDENT
“I am proud of Jon Jones for making the decision to enter a drug treatment facility. I’m confident that he’ll emerge from this program like the champion he truly is.”
