Report: Matt Jones Avoids Suspension

The stagnant and seemingly dried-up free-agent wide receiver market looks like it will receive a jolt. According to a published report, Matt Jones, formerly of the Jacksonville Jaguars, will avoid league suspension for violating terms of a court-ordered drug program.

The NFL did suspend Jones for the final three games of 2008 after he was charged with cocaine possession. Jones then violated his subsequent probation by drinking alcohol, landing him in jail for five days. Now, more than two months later and after Jacksonville released Jones, he apparently is at liberty to resume his playing career.

ESPN's Chris Mortensen reported that the NFL told Jones last week that his punishment would be a $50,000 fine and nothing more.

"That's the main message, that Matt will be available to any team looking for a proven receiver," Jones' agent Dave Butz told ESPN.

With that news, Jones immediately becomes the best available free agent at the WR spot. Consider some of the other names still out there -- guys like Marvin Harrison, Plaxico Burress, Jerry Porter and Reggie Williams. All have major off-the-field issues or concerns about on-field performance. Assuming Jones' problems outside the lines are resolved, there should be plenty of interest in what he can do on Sundays.

Jones had a rocky 2007 season, but in 2008, he bounced back with 65 catches for 761 yards in just 12 games. At 26 years old, he's still got room to get better, and his 6-foot-6 frame makes him an ideal red-zone threat.

He's a bit of a wild card, but one that looks worth taking a gamble on -- especially if he can use his dishonorable discharge from the Jags as motivation to perform in 2009. Any number of teams could come calling, including the Giants in an effort to replace Plaxico, or the Bears in hopes of getting Jay Cutler another weapon. Don't rule out a Washington, Baltimore or St. Louis, either, a group of teams that could all use a talented pass-catcher.

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

5-26-2009 @ 10:07PM

bears0492 said...

I would love to see him on the Bears. I think he's ready to have a breakout season if he plays with a good QB.

5-27-2009 @ 12:06AM

fouritiswritten said...

your right : this guy is unstopable in the red zone

5-27-2009 @ 12:46AM

Pimp Daddy said...

How can u not let Vick back in the nfl,but u allow a drug addict continue his career.He was charged with cocaine possession,will avoid league suspension for violating terms of a court-ordered drug program.
Jones then violated his subsequent probation by drinking alcohol, landing him in jail for five days.NFL told Jones last week that his punishment would be a $50,000 fine and nothing more.
He apparently is at liberty to resume his playing career."ONLY IN WHITE AMERICA"

5-27-2009 @ 1:03AM

duffyduck101 said...

Totally agree that's exactly what I was thinking when I read this article.

5-27-2009 @ 10:33AM

skins2win said...

YOUR AN IDIOT! Stallworth is BLACK and killed a man, but will probably not serve any time and continue to play. Cut it out with the "ITS CUZ HE'S BLACK CRAP". People that read these articles aren't that STUPID. Well, other than you.

5-27-2009 @ 2:27PM

doomycota said...

I don't think it's white America dude, not by a long shot, no way at all, race has nothing to do with this one. I guess the NFL takes running a federally illegal Dog fighting/dog killing and gambling ring a lot more seriously than someone who "candy's up his nose" and drinks when they are not supposed to. I don't want to quote something I can't remember right now but isn't there another player in the NFL who was drunk driving and killed a guy, and the player's name isn't Dante Stallworth?

5-27-2009 @ 3:44AM

Fred said...

I have to agree with pimp daddy, and I am WHITE! Why not just let Vick and Burress back in and get on with it. Vick has done his time, and Plax did little more than embarrass himself. If this commish can't stop discriminating based on the color of a player's skin, he should find himself another job.

5-27-2009 @ 9:02AM

bill said...

if ppl are so against him for slipping then where was all the protest against santonio holmes? he got caught with drugs and still was allowed to play in the super bowl. the only game he got was from his own coach. oh wait he is black so i guess that argument went out the window.

5-27-2009 @ 9:54AM

HOLYSWAGSTA said...

Come on now, Holmes had marijuana not cocaine theres a big difference. There are stiffer punishments for dugs such as cocaine than it is for marijuana. And since we want to talk about whats fare, since when is it ok to kill a person and still be free to live your life and play sports (Jason Williams/Donte Stallworth)but Vick kills a dog and his life is over. Get out of here with that BS. Let he without sin cast the first stone!

5-27-2009 @ 4:26PM

doomycota said...NFL takes running a federally illegal Dog fighting/dog killing and gambling ring a lot more seriously than someone who "candy's up his nose" and drinks when they are not supposed to.Whats the difference? They both is federally ILLEGAL.No matter which one there're doing they both is against the law.And this is not Jones first time.But I guess $50,000.00 fine will make him stop.A least one day.

6-09-2009 @ 1:32PM

lmhrnc said...

Black, white or purple.....The bottom line is players from every sport break the law and then get multiple "slaps on the wrist" in the form of monetary fines that are tiny in comparison to the salaries they make. The teams that continue to hire these pplayers only reinforce the sense of entitlement we instill in them from the moment the word "star" is attached to them, whether at the pro, college or high school level.