Torry Holt, Jacksonville Jaguars / Photo: Newscom

As far as I’m concerned, Torry’s got six-to-eight more years left in his career. You can’t base an opinion on his production — or lack thereof — with the Rams last season (64 catches, 796 yards, three TDs). STL was a train wreck. And they let their best receiver go in some kind of crazy “youth movement”. But if any other team needs help at the receiver position, it’s the Jags. Last offseason they thought they were getting some quality depth with the additions of Jerry Porter and Troy Williamson, but Jerry is no longer with the team and Troy struggled to stay on the field. Plus Matt Jones was waived because he can’t stay out of trouble. And unrestricted free agent Reggie Williams (an 11-game starter last season) is not listed on the team’s current roster. So, the receiver-depleted Jaguars are suddenly feeling a lot better about themselves.

Source: Jaguars.com

Post from: Every Morning Quarterback

Jaguars Sign Torry Holt

National Football League Blogcast, NFL Blogcast

It’s been a really bad season for the Jacksonville Jags. Not only are they playing some of the worst football in their recent history, the Jags are a mess off-the-field as well. Most troubling was when offensive lineman Richard Collier was tragically shot, taking his leg and ending his pro football career. That’s enough to ruin any team’s season. Now, Jag’s top receiver Matt Jones (65 catches, 761 yards, two touchdowns) has been officially suspended by the NFL for violating the league’s substance abuse policy. Head coach Jack Del Rio issued the following brief statement today:

“We have received notice from the league and will move ahead accordingly. We spoke earlier and Matt indicated to me how intent he is on putting this behind him.”

I’m sure coach Del Rio would just as soon see this season be over right now. The Jags have lost four straight and look as uninspired as ever, prompting coach, in his Monday presser, to say “We’re just not functioning at a level that gives us a chance as a football team.” And that explains the 4-9 record. Matt has been one of the few bright spots for the Jags, but off-the-field — well, you know what he did.

For a team that was expected to challenge for the AFC title this season, they have been a monumental disappointment. A housecleaning might be in order starting in January. I really don’t see any other solution for a group of players who have practically no sense of how to play well together.

Source: Jaguars.com, Photo: Newscom

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Matt Jones Suspended

Not surprisingly, Jacksonville Jags leading receiver Matt Jones has been suspended three games for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy. The suspension comes a week after Matt was accepted into a drug treatment program that could erase a felony cocaine charge against him. Matt has to participate in NFL-sponsored substance-abuse counseling and random drug testing through the end of the football season. Then he’ll have to complete the intervention program. I think he’s lucky to get three games. We’re not dealing with an over-the-counter supplement here. Sure, he pleaded not guilty to the felony drug charge and he’ll even likely appeal this suspension. But why did he enter into the rehab agreement if he was innocent?

Source: ESPN.com

Post from: Every Morning Quarterback

Matt Jones Suspended Three Games

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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

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Matt Jones Ordered to Drug Court

Jacksonville Jags wide receiver Matt Jones pleaded not guilty today to cocaine possession following his July 10 arrest. He faces a criminal trial on October 10. Initially, I thought Matt would be immediately out of Jacksonville, but he’s actually having a good training camp and until he’s proven guilty (if he is he’ll face up to 10 years in prison), he’ll most likely remain with the Jags. Matt knows he’s on thin ice, but injuries to receivers Jerry Porter and Reggie Williams have given him more opportunities and to his credit, he’s making the most of those opps. In the Jags preseason opening win against Atlanta, Matt led the team with three catches for 37 yards.

Source: ESPN.com

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Matt Jones Pleads Not Guilty

Following his recent arrest for felony possession of cocaine, Jacksonville Jags wide receiver Matt Jones‘ father made the following statement to the Arkansas Razorback nation at NWAHomepage.com this past week:

“Matt is anxious to make a statement and wants to make a statement. His attorney has advised him to not say anything until they have had a chance to speak together. They will release a statement at the appropriate time. We want to make it clear that Matt was not in possession of any drugs, but that there were drugs in the vehicle and were located in the closest proximity to Matt. He does not claim any responsibility for the drugs. There were two other individuals in the vehicle which did not belong to Matt. Matt has talked to Jacksonville head coach Jack Del Rio, telling coach he made a mistake and realizes that.”

Matt claims no responsibility? Hmm. But let’s give him the benefit of the doubt until he is proven guilty. Still, the police report claims Matt was cutting up cocaine with a credit card. Even if that’s not true, what was he doing in a car with cocaine (and marijuana) in the first place? And who were these two people he was with? Is Matt hanging with drug addicts?

Source: NWAHomepage.com

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Matt Jones’ Father Says Son Not Guilty

Jacksonville Jags wide receiver Matt Jones was arrested on felony drug charges after police found him cutting up cocaine with a credit card in his car today. 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. Matt was released on $2,500 bond but his arraignment on a charge of felony possession of a controlled substance was set for August 11.

Matt was already in head coach Jack Del Rio’s doghouse most of last season, but that was for his on-field behavior. This is obviously not going to help the relationship and will most certainly bring an end to his days in Jacksonville. Of course, there is already early speculation that because Matt went to the University of Arkansas, Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones (fellow Razorback alum) will take interest once Matt’s (likely) forthcoming suspension has been served. I disagree. Even though the Cowboys need more depth at receiver, Jerry’s not running a rehab. Which is where Matt needs to be.

Source: The Sports Network

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Matt Jones Arrested on Felony Drug Charge