FOXBOROUGH – The New England Patriots have been fairly quiet since cornerback Jack Jones was arrested on June 16, but on Tuesday, two players spoke publicly for the first time. 

Jonathan Jones and Jalen Mills appeared at the Fanatics’ ‘Merch Madness: Fan Gear Giveaway event and were asked about the incident. 

While they both are leaving it mostly to the discretion of the Patriots, they did send support to their teammate. 

“Kind of leave that to the coaching staff and the organization and just let them handle it,” Mills said.

“I’d say the same,” Jonathan Jones added. “Just support him and let whatever happens work itself out.

Despite this time being a break for the players in between mandatory minicamp and training camp, Mills and Jones were at the Socios.com Field House next to Gillette Stadium where local Boys & Girls Clubs had the opportunity to meet and play alongside Patriots, Boston Celtics, and New England Revolution players while also receiving free gear. 

Jack Jones was arrested for trying to bring two loaded firearms on the plane at Boston Logan International Airport and was booked at the State Police-Logan Airport Barrack, with bail being set at $50,000. He was charged with two counts of possession of a concealed weapon in a secure area of an airport, possession of ammunition without a Firearm Identification Card, unlawful possession of a firearm, carrying a loaded firearm and possession of a large-capacity feeding device.

The cornerback is entering his second season with the Patriots after being drafted in the fourth round (121st overall) in the 2022 NFL Draft. He finished his rookie season with 30 total tackles (25 solo) with two interceptions and one touchdown.

However, trouble seems to follow the defensive back. Jack Jones became a starter during his sophomore season at USC, but was kicked out prior to his junior year due to poor grades. He then went to a junior college in California to improve his grades before committing to Arizona State. During that time he was arrested at a Panda Express for commercial burglary. At Arizona State, he was suspended for a team conduct related matter in 2020.

The issues didn't stop there, with Jack Jones being suspended for two games from the Patriots last season which was related to a fine he received by the team for missing rehabilitation appointments.

Following the arrest, the Patriots released a statement.

“We have been notified that Jack Jones was arrested at Logan Airport earlier today. We are in the process of gathering more information and will not be commenting further at this time,” spokesperson for the Patriots said.

This has been the only communication from the Patriots since the arrest. 

Jones is due back in court on on August 18 which is the day prior to the Patriots second preseason game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. He is potentially facing more the 30 years in prison if he were convicted and sentenced on each of the charges he faces. 

What did Patriots’ Jack Jones’ attorney say following his arraignment?

Jack Jones was arraigned in East Boston Municipal Court on Tuesday

Featured Image via Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports