It appears that this may be the end of the line for UFC light heavyweight great Jon “Bones” Jones. Following a spectacular performance against former champion Daniel Cormier at UFC 214, Jones appeared to be on top of the world once again and things were looking on the up. However, Jones’ issues with doping have reared its ugly head once more.
Earlier today, Jones was caught by the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) for another failed drug test. Celebrity gossip news website which in recent years launched a sports arm, broke the news.
In a report with the simple headline, “Jon Jones Tests Positive for Steroids”, TMZ details that Jones was caught with banned performance enhancement drugs in his system following his main event clash with Cormier.
Jon Jones has failed another USADA drug test for steroids
The substance in question is Turinabol – an anabolic steroid. Jones was caught with this substance previously, and served a one year suspension because of it. However, at the time, Jones blamed it on a men’s vitamin he had been taking to help with sexual performance. He claims he did not know what was in what he was taking. It’s hard to fathom how he’s going to talk himself out of this one.
Since USADA has already slapped Jones with a one-year suspension for the first offense, the second offense is expected to be much harsher. Jones could be facing up to four years on the sideline. At 30 years of age, that would make him 34 by the time he’s able to compete again.
The UFC has not yet stripped Jones of the title
As of now, Jones has yet to be stripped of the UFC Light Heavyweight title, according to ESPN’s Brett Okamoto. However, that happening is absolutely inevitable.
“USADA, the independent administrator of the UFC Anti-Doping Policy, will handle the results management and appropriate adjudication of this case involving Jones, as it relates to the UFC Anti-Doping Policy and future UFC participation,” the UFC released in a statement.
“Under the UFC Anti-Doping Policy, there is a full and fair legal process that is afforded to all athletes before any sanctions are imposed. The California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) also retains jurisdiction over this matter as the sample collection was performed the day before Jones’ bout at UFC 214 in Anaheim, CA, and USADA will work to ensure that the CSAC has the necessary information to determine its proper judgment of Jones’ potential anti-doping violation.”
The statement basically reads that, of course, Jones is given the right to due process. But things are certainly not looking good for Jones regardless.
With due process still at play, Jones’ camp releases a statement
Jones’ camp at Jackson-Wink in Albuquerque, New Mexico also responded to the situation with their own statement.
“We are all at a complete loss for words right now. Jon, his trainers, his nutritionists and his entire camp have worked tirelessly and meticulously the past 12 months to avoid this exact situation,” the statement read.
“We are having the samples tested again to determine the validity or source of contamination. Jon is crushed by this news and we are doing whatever we can as a team, to support him.”
We will have more for you as the story develops. For now, at least, it appears we may never again see Jon Jones inside the Octagon.
