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New England Patriots

New England Patriots

New England Patriots

Jack Jones wants to clarify something about last year’s suspension

By Alex Barth
New England Patriots cornerback Jack Jones (Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports)

Late in the 2022 season, Patriots then-rookie cornerback Jack Jones was suspended by the team ahead of the final week of the regular season. At the time the suspension came as a surprise given Jones had already been placed on IR and wasn’t eligible to play again anyway.

It was later revealed that Jones’ suspension was actually tied to his injury. A follow-up report revealed Jones was suspended for being late to rehab sessions, as well as his conduct in team meetings after the injuries.

  • There’s been little information beyond that given from either party involved, but reports about what happened behind the scenes have periodically trickled out. That includes one from SI’s Albert Breer, who appeared on NBC Sports Boston’s Sports Sunday shortly after the suspension was announced and discussed Jones’ relationship with Bill Belichick.

    “My understanding of the way that went is he [Jones] was late to rehab sessions, he missed rehab sessions, and I think he even talked back to Bill a little bit about it, to the point where Bill felt like he had to address it in a team meeting,” Breer said.

  • That report has regularly been referenced in the months since it was given. On Thursday though, Jones himself weighed in on Twitter.

    “I never mouthed off at Bill idk where y’all getting that from…,” he tweeted. After some people in the comments mentioned Breer’s report, Jones tweeted at Breer saying, “@AlbertBreer please don’t write false stories. how you portray the players to the media could help or hurt our career im not asking you not to do your job but DONT LIE @AlbertBreer”

  • In his end of year press conference, Belichick was asked about Jones and punter Jake Bailey, who was suspended at the same time. “Those are separate matters, but both players have been contributors to the team and hopefully will be in the future,” Belichick said. “both players are talented players that have contributed to the team, and I think have a future with the team. At least that’s how I feel at this point.”

    While Belichick felt that way ‘at that point,’ things appeared to change with Bailey, who was also suspended for an issue surrounding injury rehab. The 2020 All-Pro was released by the Patriots on March 10, less than a year after signing a four-year contract extension with the team.

    A few weeks later, Belichick was asked again how Jones’ suspension could impact his standing with the team moving forwards. “That’s over,” Belichick said at the time. “It ended.”

    Despite Belichick’s assurances, the way things ended with Bailey and the Patriots’ recent history of minimizing roles of players who butt heads with the coaching staff has left Jones’ status a major talking point heading into the 2023 season, centering around how big of a role he’ll have after his promising rookie year.

  • Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at abarth@985TheSportsHub.com.

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