“In my personal life, I’ve made tremendous changes. People who actually know me would know that. Sobriety is something I haven’t had since I was young. So I’m very proud of that right now. If you have doubts that I’ve changed, those are warranted. I have a lot of proving to do. I think second chances are something that are earned. I think people who have been fans of mine can tell I’m trying. The accident happened not too long ago. I have a lot of proving to do and that’s going to take time.”
-Jon Jones talks to ESPN.com about being sober for the first time in his fighting career and needing to prove himself to everyone after his actions in 2015.
Penick’s Analysis: It’s absolutely on Jones to show through his actions and not just talking about it that things have changed for the better. He can still be himself, he doesn’t have to be the most respectful fighter to ever compete in the sport, but he does have a responsibility to avoid the types of things he has continued to get himself involved with outside of the cage. If he can move forward without any more serious issues, he still has the chance to go down as one of the greatest to ever compete in the sport. He’s got to get out of his own way, but it’s still there for him, and hopefully when he talks about this subject in this way, he’s sincere.
[Jon Jones art by Grant Gould (c) MMATorch.com]
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