UFC champ charged with death threats and attacks on anti-doping agents

UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones has been indicted on allegations that he assaulted a sports doping agent and threatened his life on March 30. “Bones” was arrested in New Mexico on Saturday, April 6, according to police.

Drug-Free Sport International Sample collection worker Crystal Martinez was the one who filed the complaint. According to Officer Gilbert Gallego's report (backed by Aaron Bronsteter), Martinez and another agent arrived at Jones' home around 4 p.m., and the professional fighter mostly cooperated but was unable to complete the urine test.

The alleged attack occurred after Martinez suggested a blood test. She claims Jones threatened to sue before taking her phone to record a video. “Bones” was then accused of withholding the device and becoming confrontational, allegedly threatening them: “Why the fuck, people come so early – you know what happens to people who come after me.” Coming home? In the end they are dead.”

The report describes a tense situation in which Martinez and the other agent feared for their safety before ultimately withdrawing from the situation. Jones was also accused of being consistently drunk.

Jon Jones denies assault allegations and shares CCTV footage

Jones published a post on Instagram on March 6 in which he vehemently denied the allegations and accused the agents of “unprofessionalism.” In the video, Jones and the agents appear to leave on amicable terms:

Check out this post on Instagram

A post shared by Bony (@jonnybones).

“I would like to address reports that I allegedly threatened the life of a drug tester and stole a phone,” Jones wrote. “I want to clarify that there is a video that shows both drug testers leaving my home after the testing session, where we exchange a high five and a hug.”

“Although I was frustrated by the unprofessionalism and used profanity out of frustration, it ended in a friendly and amicable manner, not threatening at all. I actually celebrated a friend's birthday party at my house, and I think it's completely normal to celebrate in comfort.” I have to say, this particular tester behaved quite unprofessionally and even went against standard protocol and HIPAA -violating laws. In the 20 years I have been conducting drug testing, I have never experienced an incident like this with a DCO officer.

In another report, Jones makes his statement. “Bones” claimed he was “a little worried because he had a hangover from the night before” but denied threatening to harm or kill anyone “because he doesn't talk like that.”

Jones allegedly said, “Tell everyone at headquarters not to send people to my house so early because it might be a dangerous environment,” implying that there might be a party going on or there might be multiple people there could. Jones also denied threatening to sue Martinez and stealing her phone, but confirmed that he had threatened to sue her partner. According to Jones, Martinez may have made up the story because he used profanity, although he apologized and gave her a high-five as seen in the CCTV footage.

Damning details revealed in Jon Jones report

In the report, Martinez states that her “boss” (known only as Pierson in the report) told her to wait until UFC officials had spoken to her before filing a police report and that “he didn’t want to press charges because it was him.” Fearful of the repercussions.

“Crystal stated that Pierson contacted her later on Tuesday [April 4] When he asked her why she wanted to file a complaint, it seemed as if he was trying to talk her out of it.

The drug tester wanted to go to the police and was told to do so by her boss

“Wait for UFC officials to speak to her”

This doesn't look good for the UFC's new anti-doping partners. https://t.co/hOimQdML50

— Erik Magraken (@erikmaraken) April 6, 2024

“Not a good prospect for the UFC’s new anti-doping partners” wrote Martial arts lawyer Erik Magraken on Twitter.

NBC News reports that Jones was issued a citation, which doubles as an arrest, and was not taken into custody.

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