New England Patriots defensive end Chandler Jones talked briefly at the end of the team's open locker room period on Thursday, surprising reporters who did not expect the 25-year old to show his face in the wake of a Sunday morning incldent that led to him walking, shirtless and distressed, to the police station near his home.
He was taken to the hospital, treated and released that same day; the Boston Globe reported on Wednesday that Jones had a bad reaction to synthetic marijuana.
The Boston Globe's Michael Whitmer tweeted that Jones spoke for about 90 seconds, and his primary message was one of contrition.
“I want to start off by saying I made a pretty stupid mistake this weekend,” Jones said. “Right now my main focus is on becoming the best player I can be, helping the team and focusing on Kansas City.”
Three questions followed, but Jones stayed on message.
Question: Are you in any trouble with substance questions?
Jones: “I understand the question, but right now my main focus is trying to hone in on Kansas City.”
Question: Did you feel the need to apologize to your teammates?
Jones: “I feel the need to apologize to everyone, but right now, as I said, I made a mistake. Each and every day, all I can focus on is Kansas City. I know it sounds competitive, I know I’m repeating myself, but that’s what it is right now. Becoming the best No. 95 I can be and help my team out.”
Question: Were you scared for your life on Sunday morning?
Jones: “Like I said, I understand the question, I do. I truly understand it. I want to apologize to all the fans. This weekend is probably going to be – I’m trying, I’m focusing on probably the biggest game of my life. I’m just trying to clear this, but like I said, I made a stupid mistake.”
Earlier Thursday, Patriots coach Bill Belichick began his news conference by addressing the story: "Relative to Chandler's situation, there is nothing more important to me personally than the health and well-being of our players, staff and support people in the organization. That’s the way it is with this organization and me personally, and I don’t think that will ever change."Asked later if Jones' playing time would be impacted Saturday because of the misstep – he has taken part in meetings and practices all week as New England prepares to play Kansas City in the divisional round – Belichick grew testy.
"Well we’ll find out on Saturday. I could just Xerox you a copy of the game plan and you can send it over to Kansas City. That might be easier for all of us," he said.
Also Thursday, the Foxborough Police released an incident report, which said that Jones arrived at the police station, not far from his home, shirtless and in blue sweatpants. He also at one point dropped to his knees and put his hands behind his head; police wrote that they thought Jones was worshipping or praying, though he may also have been surrendering for some reason.
"He kept telling us that he had 'been told' to come to our police station," the report said in part. "It was quite evident that Mr. Jones was desperately seeking our assistance, and he had certainly not committed any crimes – nor had he violated any laws or town by-laws. Mr. Jones was not armed, and he did not have any either on his person or in his possession. Even though at times Mr. Jones was somewhat [redacted] for a vast majority of our interaction with him, he still managed to be polite, cooperative and respectful. This is when we made the collective decision to have Mr. Jones evaluated by the Foxboro Fire Department's paramedics."
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