The light heavyweight champion has entered rehab…
It has been revealed that light heavyweight champion Jon Jones has tested positive for cocaine, and subsequently entered rehab by ESPN.
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The Nevada State Athletic Commission executive director Bob Bennett confirmed that the athlete confirmed that the 27-year-old had tested positive for benzoylecgonine, which is a metabolite of cocaine. Jones informed the commission that he had entered rehab later on.
“Jones has checked himself into a rehab center,” Bennett said. “And at this time, I would direct any further questions regarding his situation to Mr. Jones or the UFC.”
The urine test sample that has caused this situation was collected on December 4th, and examined in a World Anti-Doping Agency approved facility in Salt Lake City. The results were issued on the 23rd of the same month.
“We support UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones’ decision to enter a drug treatment facility to address his recent issue,” the UFC said in a statement. “While we are disappointed in the failed test, we applaud him for making this decision to enter a drug treatment facility. Jon is a strong, courageous fighter inside the Octagon, and we expect him to fight this issue with the same poise and diligence. We commend him on his decision, and look forward to him emerging from this program a better man as a result.”
However, this is unlikely to end in a ban for the American, as the drug is only banned while in competition, and the test was considered as out of competition. As a result of this, Jones’ victory against Daniel Cormier on January 3rd will stand.
“With the support of my family, I have entered into a drug treatment facility. I want to apologize to my fiancée, my children, as well as my mother, father, and brothers for the mistake that I made,” the fighter said in a statement to Yahoo Sports. “I also want to apologize to the UFC, my coaches, my sponsors and equally important to my fans. I am taking this treatment program very seriously. Therefore, at this time my family and I would appreciate privacy.”
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