UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones has issued a public apology via Facebook for his Saturday DUI arrest.
The apology comes amidst a storm of criticism from fans, who bashed Jones for maintaining the image of a humble, devout christian yet drinking and driving—putting lives at risk.
Jones took note to mention such “fans” in his apology, which read:
Man I haven’t added anyone new to my Facebook page in like three years and right now I’m so glad that I haven’t. It has literally been sickening to have so many people try to kick me while I’m down. At the same time, I totally understand, I gave them the leeway to. I screwed up, big time. Just needed to say thank you to all you guys for being amazing friends/supporters.
Always having to deal with so many critics, haters and fickle mma fans, I almost forgot how strong of a home base I had (607 and people that knew me before I was a champion fighter). Although the hell that will come with this hasn’t even started yet, I want you guys to know how much better you’ve all made me feel, not only about this situation but about life, everything. It’s good to feel that people are there and care. With that being said, I felt I should apologize to you first.
I’m truly sorry to those of you that I may have embarrassed in any way, to those of you with kids that I may have let down. I will prove to them as well as to myself, that no matter what is happening in life, we can always work our way back and make things even better than before. Reading you guys uplifting comments was a great reminder for me to not give up on who I am or all the hateful people. I’m not gonna allow this situation to outweigh the positive. I love you guys right back and I promise to make things right.
PS sorry about the terrible grammar 🙂
Unfortunately, Jones’ heartfelt words will do little to sway his haters, and will do even less to mitigate the damage to his “brand” as an athlete. After all, what are the odds that he’ll earn the blue chip sponsorships that he was seeking not too long ago?
He might earn such deals in the future (after all, how many convicted felons and criminals in the NFL got great sponsorships?) but the progress of his maturation into a mega-star the likes of late 1980s/early 1990s Hulk Hogan has definitely been slowed.
Nevertheless, Jones has apologized for his mistake and manned up to it—let us not chastise him any further.
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