Jon Jones has come to a deal with Albuquerque prosecutors after his recent arrest in the city.
Per a report from TMZ Sports, the UFC light heavyweight champion has pled guilty to driving while intoxicating last Thursday, and — while the sentence has not yet been approved by a judge — is set to serve “96 hours in a community custody program,” which is believed to be akin to house arrest.
He will wear an ankle bracelet, which ensures he can’t leave his property unless permitted by authority figures. He has also agreed to a 1-year supervised probation.
According to the report, Jones will “complete a minimum of 90-day out-patient treatment, maximum fines and fees, community service and all other requirements of reporting to probation.”
Jones will also have to complete 48 hours of community service. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, he can complete his out-patient treatment via online video. Jones will also have to install a device on any vehicle he operates which requires him to complete a breathalyzer test for alcohol before the vehicle starts.
The other charges Jones faced, such as negligent use of a deadly weapon, will be dropped as part of the guilty plea.
“His attorney and Mr. Jones have been made aware that if he fails to do this, the State will seek to impose the balance of any jail time without regard for any exceptional circumstances,” officials said, speaking with TMZ. It’s the latest in a long line of brushes Jones has had with the legal system, and one of multiple incidents he’s had in a car.
In a statement released by Jones after the news broke, the UFC champion acknowledged he was responsible for his actions and said he would strive to change some of his personal demons.
“I accept full responsibility for my actions and I know that I have some personal work to do to which involves the unhealthy relationship I have with alcohol,” Jones said.
A statement from Jon Jones regarding his plea agreement earlier today.
“I accept full responsibility for my actions and I know that I have some personal work to do to which involves the unhealthy relationship I have with alcohol.” pic.twitter.com/v4dVo2i7PD
— Aaron Bronsteter (@aaronbronsteter) March 31, 2020
The Bernalillo District Attorney’s office has also issued a statement confirming the plea deal.
“Jon Jones pleaded guilty to his second DWI. The incident happened on March 26, 2020 outside a downtown Albuquerque nightclub, just two months after his probation ended following an incident at an Albuquerque strip club. Jones took responsibility for his actions early on in the case and in doing so the state agreed to 1 year supervised probation. Normally, the State would be requesting a pre-sentencing report and a recommendation to Substance Recovery Court. However, due to COVID-19, it is not clear the program can accept anyone at this time,” said the statement.
“It is also the reason that we are agreeing to the 4 days on CCP with 90 days for turn-in (the metropolitan jail just reported a new case of COVID-19). Jones is still required to complete a minimum of 90 day outpatient treatment, maximum fines and fees, community service, and all other requirements of reporting to probation. His attorney and Mr. Jones have been made aware that if he fails to do this, the State will seek to impose the balance of any jail time without regard for any exceptional circumstances.
