Report: Jack Jones’ legal situation has reached a resolution
The status of New England Patriots cornerback Jack Jones for the upcoming 2023 season has been up in the air since he was arrested at Logan Airport on multiple gun charges back in June. Now, with the start of the regular season just days away, his case has been resolved as a legal matter.
According to Chris Mason of MassLive, Jones had a court date on Tuesday and reached a deal in the case with the Suffolk County DA. The deal will see Jones’ charges dropped, with Jones agreeing to 48 hours of community service and one year of pre-trial probation.
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In addition to the report, MassLive also obtained a court document “adding context” to the dropping of the charges. Thew filing reads..
“The Commonwealth states that consistent with its standard of review in all cases, it has thoroughly reviewed all the evidence in this case and determined that it cannot be proven beyond a reasonable doubt that Mr. Jones had knowledge that he possessed the firearms in his bag at the time of the incident. In addition, pursuant to M.G.L. Section 140 Chapter 129C(j), Those exempt from having a firearm identification card include ‘any resident of the commonwealth returning after having been absent from the commonwealth for not less than 180 consecutive days or any new resident moving into the commonwealth, with respect to any firearm, rifle, or shotgun and any ammunition there then in his possession, for 60 days after such return or entry into the commonwealth. The Commonwealth has been provided documentation and verified that Mr. Jones purchased both firearms lawfully in the state of Arizona and has taken steps to become a lawful gun owner in the state of Massachusetts within this 60-day period.”
With his legal case settled, the question for Jones now becomes whether or not he’ll face any consequences from the NFL. The league has often waited for the legal process to be completed before punishing players for off-field incidents. However, when Jones spoke with reporters at training camp two weeks ago he said he hadn’t heard from the league regarding any sort of possible suspension.
Jones, 25, was drafted by the Patriots in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft. In 13 games as a rookie, Jones recorded six pass breakups and two interceptions, including a pick-six. As he enters his second NFL season, Jones is expected to be in the Patriots’ starting cornerback rotation this upcoming season.
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Patriots season predictions: Team MVP, playoffs, and more with Alex Barth & Matt Dolloff
Team MVP
Kendrick Bourne of the New England Patriots and Mac Jones of the New England Patriots celebrate with DeVante Parker after Parker’s receiving touchdown against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on Jan. 8, 2023. (Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)
Matt Dolloff: Kendrick Bourne
“He’s going to be the go-to guy for Mac Jones [or] make big plays.”
Alex Barth: Mac Jones
“He completely turns it around…shoves the haters in a locker.”
Defensive Player of the Year
Foxboro, MA, Sep. 25, 2022: New England Patriots defensive tackle Christian Barmore reacts during a game against the Baltimore Ravens at Gillette Stadium. (Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports)
Dolloff: Christian Barmore
“I have faith he’s going to take a step forward and be that interior disruptor that is the hallmark of a lot of great defenses.”
Barth: Kyle Dugger
“He’s going to make the Patriots regret not signing him to a contract extension this offseason.”
Rookie of the year
Jul 27, 2023; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots defensive end Keion White (51) works with a weight bag during training camp at Gillette Stadium. Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
Dolloff: Keion White
“He’s athletic, he’s explosive, he’s better than anybody they’ve had at that [5-tech] spot.”
Barth: Keion White
He has the potential to be a true three-down defensive lineman in their system.
Breakout/Surprise player
Green Bay, WI; Aug. 19, 2023: New England Patriots running back Ezekiel Elliott (15) greets teammates before a preseason game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. (Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports)
Dolloff: Mike Gesicki
“He’s made a lot of big plays in camp, he’s a guy that does things that no one else on the roster can do.”
Barth: Ezekiel Elliott
“I’ve been big on Kendrick Bourne so I’m going to change it up…I think he ends up making a big difference and makes some key plays.”
Do the Patriots make the playoffs?
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – AUGUST 10: Head coach Bill Belichick looks on during the fourth quarter of the preseason game against the Houston Texans at Gillette Stadium on August 10, 2023 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Omar Rawlings/Getty Images)
Dolloff: Yes.
“They win nine games, they go in as the six seed edging out the Steelers and Jets…and then they get killed by the Chiefs or the Bengals.”
Barth: Yes
“I have them in as the seventh seed.”
