Matt Jones Ordered to Drug Court

National Football League Blogcast, NFL Blogcast

Jacksonville Jags receiver Matt Jones’ cocaine charge will be heard in drug court rather than in the regular criminal system, allowing him to keep any conviction off his record. If you’ll recall, Matt was to have gone on trial this Friday for his July 10 arrest when a Fayetteville police officer saw him inside a car allegedly cutting up cocaine with a credit card. Well, prosecutor John Threet said his office reached an agreement with Matt yesterday to send the case to drug court. Matt still could be suspended by the NFL under the league’s substance abuse policy. First-time offenders (as Matt would be) are subject to suspensions ranging from one to four games. Matt didn’t have much to say after practice today:

“I’m not supposed to talk about it. I can’t talk about it.”

As I looked into why Matt’s felony charge was being handled in drug court rather than the regular system, I found out that he has entered a drug intervention program. If he successfully complies with the terms of the nine-month program, the charges will be dismissed. But if he screws up, he’ll probably be behind bars. Under the program, Matt will be required to submit to 78 random drug tests, attend 136 hours of group therapy, and perform 30 hours of community service. Now, even though he won’t be tried (he pleaded not guilty to the charges, by the way), his acceptance into the intervention program exposes him to potential discipline under the NFL’s aforementioned substance abuse policy. Correct me if I’m wrong, but doesn’t entering a nine-month drug rehab program constitute some kind of admission of guilt?

The Jags are probably relieved. Matt has been the team’s top receiver so far this season — 23 catches for 269 yards and a touchdown.

Source: Jacksonville.com, Photo: Newscom