Quinton Jackson’s scheduled arraignment last Friday on charges following his July arrest was postponed, as police and the Orange County District Attorney’s office continue their investigation.
The 30-year-old former UFC light heavyweight champion was arrested on July 15 on suspicion of hit-and-run driving, felony evading and reckless driving. A new arraignment date has not been scheduled.
The delay could put a crimp in the UFC’s plans to bring Jackson back to the Octagon as early as November, which, even in our lenient, second-chance society might be premature.
While Jackson has not been charged in the case, the allegations are serious. Jackson’s alleged actions behind the wheel caused pedestrians to “flee for their lives,” according to the Costa Mesa police report. A hit-and-run conviction in California carries a sentence that ranges from probation to three years in state prison. The felony evading and reckless driving charges could result in a maximum of an additional three years in prison.
Further complicating the case for Jackson, and a potential factor in the delayed arraignment, is the miscarriage suffered by Holli Griggs, a motorist Jackson allegedly sideswiped with his truck while evading police. According to Griggs’ attorney, his client had a miscarriage following the accident. She was 16 weeks pregnant. It’s not yet known if the miscarriage was a direct result of the accident.
UFC President Dana White addressed Jackson’s status with the UFC at a news conference prior to last weekend’s UFC 87 event in Minneapolis. White spoke of his support of Jackson, said exhaustion was the contributing factor to his erratic behavior in July, and expects to have the former champ back in the Octagon soon.
