| Cole Pepper |
Jones Arraigned Today
Matt Jones pleaded not guitly today on the cocaine possession charges in Arkansas. We expect him back at practice this evening. The big question now is: What happens next?
Jones has three authorities to hear from: the State of Arkansas, the NFL and the Jaguars.
Technically, Jones could face jail time in Arkansas, although its unlikely that he would since its a first offense. The league has been tougher on off-field trouble, but since it wasn't a violent act, the league may not suspended him. He will wind up in the NFL's substance abuse program, meaning that he could be randomly tested, and his next positive test would result in a four game suspension.
Then, there is the team. If he's found guilty, what kind of discipline will he receiver from the Jaguars? Its clear that the stance the team has taken is one of support. But that doesn't mean that he would escape discipline.
What makes sense? How would you handle it? You can comment below.
Jaguars Reporters: Tonight at 6, we launch another season of Jaguars Reporters, and once again this year, Vic Ketchman joins me. You can email a question or comment to me in advance of the show right here.
Olympic Thoughts: I though the Opening Ceremonies at the Olympics was spectacular. That's not usually the kind of thing that gets me going, but I was absolutely transfixed. One of the reasons was that NBC had their China expert on explaining the meaning and symbolism. As amazing as the visual effects were, the one scene that stays with me was the use of blocks to show different phases of Chinese history. The one that got me was the symbolizing of the Great Wall coming down as China welcomes visitors again. It's not quite the same as the fall of the Berlin Wall, but it was profound, nonetheless.
Did you catch the American 4x100 freestyle relay team? What a race. Michael Phelps led off the relay and the Americans closed some major ground late to win. Phelps is still alive in his quest to break Mark Spitz's record of seven gold medals in one Games. I'll give high marks to NBC's coverage so far. Especially in the swimming, where they have given some great background on some of the rivalries that have developed in several events, including the women's 400 free, where one of the favorites is dating the boyfriend of another competator. And for American audiences, seeing the smack talk from the French 4x100 freestyle team that choked away the gold to the US.
Murphy's Law: Here's an update on the great start by Englewood High and JU alum Daniel Murphy, who was called up to the Mets last week. He's still killing it. Murphy hit his first career home run on Saturday, and he doubled yesterday. He's hitting .467 and has rqeached base in every game in which he's played in the Big Leagues. The only game he went hitless, he pinch hit and walked. Here's a great story that I heard about Murphy. When he arrived at JU as a freshman, they were going around the locker room introducing the newcommers. They would say their name, hometown and position. Murphy's response: "Daniel Murphy, Jacksonville, I play hitter."
He's been a terrific hitter at every level.
Shameless Plug, Part 1: We launch the season of Jaguars Reporters tonight at 6. Vic Ketchman and I are back for another year. Here's what we'll be talking about:
- Matt Jones' performance and his pending arraignment
- The Derrick Harvey Negotiations or lack thereof
- Undrafted rookies Brian Witherspoon and Mkristo Bruce making an impact on Saturday night.
- Greg Jones looking good
- Up and down performances of Cleo Lemon and Todd Bouman at quarterback
- Quentin Groves' debut
Of course, we'll also take your calls at (800) 355-NFL1. I look forward to hearing from you.
Shamelss Plug Part 2: I'll be on ESPNews on Wednesday doing a segment about the Jaguars. It should air around 4:40 pm on ESPNews Hotlist.






