I don’t necessarily have the
right to spout off about current happenings in the UFC (because I am perhaps
the most inconsistent MMA fan in history), but when something piques my
interest I can’t help but want to share my opinion…
So for those of you that
haven’t heard UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones tested positive
for drugs – positive for benzoylecgonine, a chief ingredient and
metabolite of cocaine at any rate. This has explicably pissed off, and of
course disappointed, a great deal of people.
As far as Jones’ standing in
my eyes it hasn’t changed. I can honestly say I have probably seen more of Jon
Jones’ fights than nearly any other UFC star, past or present (with the
possible exception of Randy Couture). I was watching when Jones’ record was
tarnished by the DQ loss to Matt Hamill. I saw him win the title, defend it,
get caught up in the Silva vs. Jones super fight hype, and handle it with
poise. I also remember his DUI. It’s because of that I refuse to join the ranks
of those that are surprised or indignant about the breaking news
regarding cocaine use and his subsequent rehab proclamation. People make
mistakes; sometimes the same person makes more than one mistake.
While I feel sympathy for
Jones and wish him luck and Godspeed on his recovery, I am also aware of those
that fight for a living expressing their outrage at the UFC’s and Reebok’s
response to Jones’ pitfall.
The UFC has shown support
rather than condemnation for Jones. To be frank this is likely because (believe
it or not) the Nevada State Athletic Commission does not list cocaine
as a “banned substance”. In addition, this test was outside of competition
timelines (12/4). Results on Jones’ actual prefight competition drug test,
reportedly came back clean. Reebok has made similar remarks, wishing the
recovering Jones well, and implying that Jones’ standing with the athletic
apparel company will not be impacted as a result of the test results. And
therein is the rub ladies and gentleman…
…At the heart of it people are
upset that Jones’ lack of responsibility and drug use hasn’t affected his
employment and endorsement earnings. Assuming that someone of his celebrity
status should automatically be shunned by those that hired him after
falling from grace. Others still, are angry that athletes under contract with
UFC in the past that have tested positive for marijuana use have been suspended
and even fired.
Is this a double standard? Are
these people right? The answer is undoubtedly, maybe. If I were drug tested at work I would be terminated
immediately if I failed. I would expect that my coworkers were being held to
the same standard regardless of the drug of choice. However, one could argue
what I do on my time is up to me.
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| Photo Credit: UFC.com |
Why have Reebok and UFC
responded with nothing but support for Jones? In my mind three
reasons stand out:
1.
If not successful in rehab, what is already a serious issue
for Jones could become life threatening.
a.
Knowing that his employer and his biggest sponsor have
abandoned him would not aid his recovery
2.
Further, seemingly cutting ties with Jones at this juncture
would hurt the public perception of both companies.
3.
They are banking on the fact that we the people will still support him upon his eventual return.
a.
Buy PPVs, UFC merchandise, and Jones-adorned Reebok shoes.
In conclusion, for those mad
about the handling of this situation by the UFC, Reebok, or the Nevada Athletic
Commission, get over it. Instead of calling for blood, you should be rooting
for Jones’ successful recovery. You can make your stand on how the companies
should have handled this situation with your dollars upon Jones’
(hopefully) healthy return.
ESPN’s coverage can be viewed:
UFC’s official statement on
Jones can be found:
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