FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (AP) -Jacksonville Jaguars receiver Matt Jones has been getting notice in training camp for his improved performance. However, his cocaine bust remains the primary reason his name is in the headlines.
Jones is due in Fayetteville on Monday for a court appearance where formal charges are to be lodged against him.
The 25-year-old Jones, a former Arkansas quarterback who was taken in the first round by Jacksonville in 2005, was arrested July 10 when a police officer saw him inside a car allegedly cutting up cocaine with a credit card. Jones’ father, Steve, has denied the cocaine was in his son’s possession. He acknowledged it was in the vehicle, however, and in “closest proximity to Matt.”
The Washington County prosecutor’s office said Jones is required to attend the Monday hearing.
During his time with the Jaguars, Jones has been criticized for not living up to his potential. But Jones stood out in the team’s first preseason scrimmage and drew praise from coach Jack Del Rio.
Jones had three catches for 37 yards in Jacksonville’s 20-17 victory Saturday night over the Atlanta Falcons.
Jones said he has had injury trouble that has kept him from being at his best the past two years. The Florida Times-Union reported that before training camp Jones was at workouts in Greensboro, N.C., run by former NFL receiver Ricky Proehl, where he worked on routes.
Jones’ prospects appeared dim when the Jaguars added receivers in the off season, signing free agent Jerry Porter (six years, $30 million) and acquiring former first-round pick Troy Williamson. However, injuries to Porter (torn hamstring) and Reggie Williams (right knee) have provided Jones with more reps than he may otherwise would have gotten.
A couple of weeks after his arrest, Jones apologized to Jaguars owner Wayne Weaver, Del Rio and his teammates.
Jones caught 101 passes for 1,392 yards and 13 touchdowns in his first three seasons.
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