Former UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones entered a guilty plea to leaving the scene of an accident today in Bernalillo County Second Judicial District Court and he receive 18 months of supervised probation.
Along with the probation, Jones will be required to make 72 appearances doing work with charity and speaking with children. Judge Charles Brown gave Jones a conditional discharge, which will allow Jones to travel outside of New Mexico.
“With regards to today’s decision made by the court, I am very happy to now be able to put this incident behind me,” Jones said in a statement. “My actions have caused pain and inconvenience in the lives of others and for that I am truly sorry and I accept full responsibility. I have been working hard during this time away from my sport to grow and mature as a man and to ensure that nothing like this happens again.”
“I have learned a great deal from this situation and I am determined to emerge a better person because of it,” Jones continued. “I apologize to those who were affected by my actions in this incident and I am hopeful that I will be given the opportunity to redeem myself in the eyes of the public, my family and friends as well as my supporters. I am not sure what the future holds for me but I plan to continue to do the work needed to be productive and successful in every aspect of my life.”
During today’s plea agreement, UFC President Dana White was in attendance and the UFC issued a statement following the ruling by Judge Brown.
“The UFC organization is aware that Jon Jones reached a plea agreement with authorities in Albuquerque, New Mexico this morning stemming from charges associated with a motor vehicle accident earlier this year,” the statement reads. “As a result, UFC, through Las Vegas-based law firm Campbell & Williams, will thoroughly review the agreement before discussing Jones’ possible reinstatement to return to competition. More information will be made available following completion of this review.”