Adam Jones came into the NFL surrounded by off-field question marks. Now, off-field issues may usher him out of the league.
Currently a free agent, its unknown whether or not the 34-year-old intends to keep playing, if there’s any interest from teams in acquiring him, or if the NFL wants a say in when he can come back. With this latest incident, however, it appears Jones was not in the wrong and won’t be charged with anything.
Police say Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Adam “Pacman” Jones was attacked during a run-in with a facility-service employee at an airport. https://t.co/O5I6Ct5YZ7
— WOWK 13 News (@WOWK13News) July 11, 2018
At this point, it’s unclear what exactly started the confrontation between Jones and a worker at Hartsfield-Jackson Airport in Atlanta. But what is known is that words were exchanged between the cornerback/return man and the worker, Frank Ragin. Allegedly, Ragin threw the first punch after the verbal confrontation but was taken to the ground by Jones. Ragin ended up being arrested and taken to the hospital as a precaution. Jones and a woman who was with him both suffered minor injuries but declined to seek medical attention.
Jones has dealt several suspensions before. Over the course of 2007 and 2008, Jones was suspended for 22 of a possible 28 games. During the 2009 season, he was out of the league. But the Cincinnati Bengals agreed to terms with him in 2010, where he played up until last season. Although he missed the opener of the 2017 season by being suspended under the league’s conduct policy.
Based on the details known at this point, one would assume the altercation would not be cause for suspension – especially if Jones was not at fault for anything. At least by itself. But Jones’ past behavior may leave him on thin ice, should he be added to a roster in the future.
While on the field, Adam Jones is a bit of a Swiss Army Knife. At least on defense and special teams. He’s accounted for 97 passes defended and 16 interceptions over the course of his career, playing left and right cornerback spots as well as a little bit of strong safety. Two of those interceptions were returned for touchdowns. He’s also forced seven fumbles and returned a fumble for a touchdown and added one sack.
On special teams, Jones has returned 182 punts for 1,919 yards and five touchdowns, along with 121 kick returns for 3,147 yards.
