Matt Jones ordered to drug court

By Associated Press

FAYETTEVILLE — Jacksonville Jaguars receiver Matt Jones' cocaine charge will be heard in drug court rather than in the regular criminal system and will allow him to keep any conviction off his record.

Jones, 25, was to have gone on trial Friday for his July 10 arrest when a Fayetteville police officer saw him inside a car allegedly cutting up cocaine with a credit card.

Matt Jones

Prosecutor John Threet said his office reached an agreement with Jones on Tuesday to send the case to drug court. Threet and Jones' attorney, Woody Bassett, said Circuit Judge William Storey approved the transfer Tuesday.

Bassett said Jones has to appear in drug court 1 p.m. Oct. 13 before Circuit Judge Mary Ann Gunn. Jones is a former Arkansas Razorback quarterback and was a first-round draft pick of the Jaguars in 2005.

Prosecutors say the felony charge will be dismissed if Jones completes the drug program.

Officials said Jones will have to undergo a nine-to-12-month intervention program in which he is to take part in group therapy sessions and serve 30 hours of community service. He also must submit to regular drug tests.

Gunn told the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette that Jones will likely not be required to move back to Arkansas to participate in the drug court program if the NFL allows him to continue playing. She said Jones must adhere to the NFL's anti-substance abuse program and pass all its drug testing requirements.

Jones' status with the Jaguars seemed to be in jeopardy heading into training camp. He had been criticized for a lack of production in his three years with the team and the Jaguars added receivers in the off-season. Despite the arrest, Jones did well in preseason games and has emerged as the team's leading receiver with 23 catches for 269 yards and one touchdown. He averaged 11.7 yards per catch through five games.