Jones faces felony drug charge, suspected of cocaine possession

[Dos Equis]

No wonder the guy sucked in the pros. 

Jones faces felony drug charge, suspected of cocaine possession
Associated Press

Updated: July 11, 2008, 1:35 AM ET

Matt Jones Arrested On Drug ChargesFAYETTEVILLE, Ark. -- Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Matt Jones faces a felony drug charge in his former college town after police say he was inside a car cutting up cocaine with a credit card.


The 25-year-old Jones and two others were arrested early Thursday. A police report said officers approached the car and an officer drew his handgun after Jones did not immediately show his hands.

Police said they searched the vehicle and found a plastic bag filled with a white substance that tested positive for cocaine and a jar with possible marijuana residue.

Jared Hicks and Benjamin Cook were also arrested on misdemeanor drug charges.

Jones was released from the Washington County jail on $2,500 bond. His arraignment on a charge of felony possession of a controlled substance was set for Aug. 11, two days after Jacksonville's preseason opener against Atlanta.


AP Photo

Jaguars receiver Matt Jones is shown here in the booking photo released by the Washington County Detention Center in Fayetteville, Ark.
Police said 6 grams of cocaine was found. The threshold for potential charges of possession with intent to deliver is 1 gram. However, prosecutor John Threet said there is no evidence that Jones intended to deal the drug.

Jaguars owner Wayne Weaver said he was waiting to learn details of the case.

"We're trying to investigate that now," Weaver said. "We don't have all the facts. We will comment on that once we have all the facts."

Jones, a star quarterback at Arkansas and a first-round pick in 2005, failed to develop into the go-to receiver for Jacksonville.

Jones caught 77 passes for 1,075 yards and nine touchdowns in his first two pro seasons, but he struggled in 2007.

Last season, coach Jack Del Rio became increasingly frustrated with Jones' demeanor and work ethic, making him inactive for three games. In the offseason, the Jaguars signed free agent Jerry Porter and traded for former first-round pick Troy Williamson.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3481361

[UPINTHEMGUTS]

I disagree. He definitely doesn't suck. Rememeber, he's a former college quarterback at Arkansas. He's a converted wide receiver in the NFL.

It appears he might have a bit of a drug problem. But he has talent, no question about it. Really good size and speed and a big red zone target.

Too bad he's pissing his talent away on blow.

[CARTEL]

I disagree. He definitely doesn't suck. Rememeber, he's a former college quarterback at Arkansas. He's a converted wide receiver in the NFL.

It appears he might have a bit of a drug problem. But he has talent, no question about it. Really good size and speed and a big red zone target.

Too bad he's pissing his talent away on blow.

He is mediocre at best.

[Dos Equis]

Even mediocre might be an overstatement.  He was a first round pick.  Here is what he has done in three years:

05: 36 for 432, 5 TDs
06:  41 for 643, 4 TDs
07:  24 for 317, 4 TDs

Third year is when the light is supposed to go on, especially for WRs.  At this point, he's a bust . . . and a really dumb cokehead.   

[UPINTHEMGUTS]

That 'light' you speak of turns on at different stages for NFL players. He may have had the potential to be a really good late bloomer if he could keep his nose clean. That's just my opinion.

I know it's highly disputable.

[Dos Equis]

That 'light' you speak of turns on at different stages for NFL players. He may have had the potential to be a really good late bloomer if he could keep his nose clean. That's just my opinion.

I know it's highly disputable.

Someone did an analysis of WR production a little while back and year 3 is usually when they either get it or don't get it.  I'm sure he could be a very late bloomer, but given his penchant for drug use and really dumb behavior (doing it in a freakin parking lot), it will surprise me if he suddenly plays like a first round pick.

Keep in mind he will be in the substance abuse program now and subject to year round random testing.  He's also probably going to get cut.   

[TrapsMcLats]

dumbass...

[gordiano]

Another idiot who had the world by the balls....and fucked it up.

[240 is Back]

the coke might explain his poor performance.

perhaps if the NFL is testing him 1-3 times per week, he'll keep clean, and play better as a result

[Dos Equis]

I guess it's safe to call him a bust now. 

Jaguars cut troubled WR Jones
Associated Press

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- The Jacksonville Jaguars waived receiver Matt Jones on Monday, parting ways with the former first-round draft pick just days after his latest arrest.

Jones was jailed last week in Arkansas for violating a plea agreement that stemmed from a drug charge in 2008. The 6-foot-6 Jones, a former star quarterback at Arkansas, is awaiting an April 13 court appearance.

After failing a drug and alcohol screening, Jones told a judge he drank beer while golfing with friends. He assured the judge it wouldn't happen again.

The Jaguars didn't want to take a chance.

"All roster moves are decisions we feel are in the best interest of the organization," Jaguars general manager Gene Smith said. "This decision is a result of our ongoing player and roster evaluations. We expect responsibility and accountability, and those are important qualities as we continue the process of building this team."

Although Jones was wildly popular in Arkansas, he wasn't revered nearly as much in Jacksonville. Fans thought his laid-back attitude was a sign he didn't care about football, and coach Jack Del Rio ripped him at times for his work ethic.

Many thought Jones would be released last year after he was charged with cocaine possession in July. But the 19th overall pick in 2005 had a strong preseason and stuck around despite the arrest.

He responded with the best season of his career, catching 65 passes for 761 yards and two touchdowns. His case, meanwhile, was moved to the drug court, where defendants submit to treatment and other restrictions, with the goal of keeping them from offending again. A defendant can wipe his record clean if the program is completed successfully.

In the plea agreement reached in October, Jones was ordered to participate in NFL-sponsored substance-abuse counseling and undergo random drug testing through the end of the football season. The judge told him to return to Fayetteville after the season to complete the program. Jones remains in the drug court program.

The NFL suspended Jones for the final three games last season for violating the league's substance-abuse policy.

Jones' departure leaves Jacksonville with huge holes at the receiver position. The Jaguars released Jerry Porter last month and opted not to re-sign free agent Reggie Williams.

That basically leaves third-year pro Mike Walker and veteran Dennis Northcutt.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3984684

[CalvinH]

The Jags need to shore up their o-line before worrying about a WR.

[UPINTHEMGUTS]

He's talented but an extremely immature player. He won't be unemployed for long.

[2ND COMING]

the jags are a run first team

how many talented 6'7 receivers can you come by?

he'll get picked up in no time

[body88]

He's talented but an extremely immature player. He won't be unemployed for long.

Agreed, he showed flashes......he would be good if not for the drugs.  Clearly that is going to fuck with your game and preperation.

[UPINTHEMGUTS]

the jags are a run first team

how many talented 6'7 receivers can you come by?

he'll get picked up in no time

Exactly. Big red zone target. I'm suprised he hasn't played at TE in the pros. I would think he would have a decisive speed advantage against LB's up the seam and over the middle. He's certainly big enough.

[Dos Equis]

I will not be holding my breath.  This kid doesn't get it.  He's undoubtedly in the substance abuse program, so he is getting random tested up the wazzo.  Unless he lands somewhere like Indy where he can be the WR3, I doubt he ever lives up to his first round draft status. 

[2ND COMING]

I will not be holding my breath.  This kid doesn't get it.  He's undoubtedly in the substance abuse program, so he is getting random tested up the wazzo.  Unless he lands somewhere like Indy where he can be the WR3, I doubt he ever lives up to his first round draft status. 

i have a feeling dallas will pick him up

[Dos Equis]

i have a feeling dallas will pick him up

He would fit right in.  Long history of miscreants call themselves Dallas Cowboys. 

[Geo]

he's raider bait !

[The Showstoppa]

i have a feeling dallas will pick him up

haha