Here's the latest on Matt. At least his agent is quoted stating the obvious in the last paragraph. Mentioning Jones in the same breath with Vick and the huge contingent of true criminals in the NFL is nothing but persecuting Matt for the much greater sins of the others. In the comments afterward (go to the link to read them) race is brought into it but with precious little comprehension of what's going on.
<H1>Could Matt Jones' chance be coming?</H1>
<DIV =post-info>Posted by Tom Curran on August 16, 2009 1:39 PM ET
<DIV =post->
The Mike Vick redemption story has begun in Philly.
So when does Matt Jones' begin?
Jones, a first-round pick of the Jaguars in 2005,was
released in March, two days after finishinga five-day jail sentence.
Jones landed in the hoosegow because he tested positive for alcohol while in a diversion program. He entered the diversion program via a plea dealstemming a drug possession arrest last July. He was arrested for drug possession after police found him cutting up cocaine with a Foot Locker credit card while sitting in a parked car.
Dave Butz, Jones' agent, said his client been training in Bradenton, Florida at IMG Academy. Butz also said that Jones worked out last week at "Proehlific Park," with former NFL wideout Ricky Proehl.
"He's spent $20,000 of his own money to make sure he stays in shape and ready to go," Butz said of Jones. "Interest is picking up and I expect in the next week or so that he'll be going to a number of workouts and will be getting signed."
Butz explained that Jones hasn't been signedbecause teams first want to see the players they signed and drafted in the spring compete during camp. After one or two preseason games, those that can't cut it will be released, possibly paving a path for Jones.
Going off of last year, it would appear he could help someone. Jones, still only 26 years old,had 65 catches in 12 games before serving a three-game suspension imposed after he entered the diversion program.
Following a disappointing start to his NFL career, it seemed that the six-foot-six speedster finally gained some momentum, and that he was turning his career around. Jones explained that the alcohol violation came when he drank "a couple of beers" while playing golf last March.
Czar Florio had a
good take on the situation back then.
Butz, who said he wouldn't name possible suitors for Jones, was asked if Vick's signing by the Eagles on Friday might persuade a team that previously was afraid to pull the trigger on Jones to give him a chance.
"I don't think Matt Jones and Michael Vick belong in the same sentence, to be honest with you," said Butz. "There is no comparison between their situations and what they've done. Matt has never been convicted of a crime."
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2009/08/16/the-mike-vick-redemption-story/
