Patriots' Jack Jones Breaks Silence on Gun Arrest, Practice Exit
FOXBORO — New England Patriots cornerback Jack Jones has had quite the tumultuous summer. From legal troubles which landed him in East Boston District Court to a recent dust-up on the practice field, Jones has been more at the center of controversy than on-field evaluation.
Despite his struggles, Jones made it clear this week that he is making his best effort to put his difficulties behind him while speaking with the media for the first time during training camp. For starters, the 25-year-old briefly addressed his premature departure from Thursday’s practice:
“Just football, you know? … today is today,” Jones told reporters following the Patriots’ in-stadium practice Friday evening. “It’s in the past … nothing bad. We’re good today, though.”
After breaking up a pass intended for receiver Kendrick Bourne during the team’s second round of 11-on-11 team drills Thursday, the talented, yet troubled defensive back was spotted abruptly heading for the Gillette Stadium tunnel — sporting a seemingly fervid disposition.
Prior to leaving the field, Jones seemed to be trading verbal barbs with some of his teammates and coaches — including safety Jabrill Peppers, who attempted to calm him down after his squabble with Bourne. The second-year cornerback then walked from the field in the direction of locker room. It should be noted that Jones was not accompanied by a member of the training staff; indicating that he was not injured.
"Yeah, it was a great play, and then we had a conversation, and that conversation is personal,” Patriots cornerbacks coach Mike Pellegrino told reporters via video conference o Friday morning. "We're moving on."
Whether Jones’ early exit from practice was voluntary is still a matter of conjecture. While he did not return to on-field action, Jones later returned to the sidelines, where he was seen chatting with director of player personnel Matt Groh and defensive back Jalen Mills.
For Jones, the incident was yet another optical blemish to his image. The Arizona State product is also embroiled in legal difficulty following his arrest at Boston's Logan Airport in June for attempting to board an aircraft with two loaded firearms. Jones facing several charges including: possession of a concealed weapons in a secure area of an airport, possession of ammunition without a firearm identification card, unlawful possession of a firearm, carrying a loaded firearm, and possession of a large capacity feeding device, according to police.
As expected, Jones deflected any questions regarding his legal troubles, on the advice of his attorney.
“I can’t answer that, that’s a question for my lawyer,” Jones said when asked about the June incident.
Still, Jones remains one of the Patriots top players at the position. In only one season, Jones caught the eye of many a Patriots fan with his high-octane style of play. Though slightly undersized for the position, at 5-11, 175 pounds, he became an aggressive presence on the perimeter. In 13 games [454 defensive snaps] as a rookie, Jones compiled 30 tackles, six passes-defensed, one forced fumble, one recovery and two interceptions, including one for a touchdown return. Through nine training camp practices, the 25-year-old has aligned with the starting defense, breaking up several passes opposite rookie Christian Gonzalez at perimeter corner.
Though impending legal action may impact his availability this season, Jones and the Patriots appear to be awaiting any further action from the law, as well as the NFL, before making a more definitive decision on his status. Still, Jones remains focused on ensuring his on-field performance makes him as indispensable as possible for the Patriots.
“I mean, every day you’re worried about your future on any team because the league is very liquid … you just have to get out there and participate,” Jones said. “Availability is the best ability. When I get out on the football field, it’s all ball. I just come here to play football, give it my all and do what I’m supposed to do for this team.”
The Patriots will return to the practice fields adjacent to Gillette Stadium on Sunday at 1 p.m.
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