Patriots young playmaker clears air on unfavorable report
We still don’t know the full reason why the New England Patriots suspended cornerback Jack Jones at the end of last season, but the 2022 fourth-round pick finally spoke out about the matter on Twitter. “I never mouthed off at Bill (Belichick) idk where y’all getting that from…” Jones tweeted Thursday. “Throw that out tho,” […]
We still don’t know the full reason why the New England Patriots suspended cornerback Jack Jones at the end of last season, but the 2022 fourth-round pick finally spoke out about the matter on Twitter.
“I never mouthed off at Bill (Belichick) idk where y’all getting that from…” Jones tweeted Thursday.
“Throw that out tho,” he added.
The story first stemmed from a report by Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, who was appearing on NBC Sports Boston at the time.
"My understanding of the way that went is, (Jones) was late to rehab sessions, he missed rehab sessions, and I think he even talked back to Bill (Belichick) a little bit about it, to the point where Bill felt like he had to address it in a team meeting two Fridays ago," Breer said on "Sports Sunday.”
Jones' agent, Jamal Tooson, downplayed the incident at the time.
“I’m aware of the situation involving my client Jack Jones,” Tooson said in the statement. “Jack is focused on recovering and getting back to help the Patriots as soon as possible. Regarding the suspension, it appears to be based on miscommunication regarding Jack’s rehab process. I’m hopeful we will reach an amicable resolution for both Jack and the Patriots.”
Patriots defensive back Jalen Mills quote-tweeted Jones on Thursday.
“Let them think what they want..
“New Year.. Better You!
“We Chasing %1 EveryDay”
Jones and Mills are both battling for starting spots in New England’s secondary. Jones had a very solid rookie season before his injury and suspension, intercepting two passes with a pick-six and forcing and recovering a fumble.
Belichick was asked about what he’s seen from Jones this offseason following last year’s suspension.
“He’s still working his way back in there,” Belichick said. “It’s good to see him out there. We’ll see how that goes.”
Jones was running with the top defense in practice last week but was bumped for 2023 first-round pick Christian Gonzalez on Tuesday. The Patriots have one more open OTAs session and three mandatory minicamp practices scheduled before they break for training camp.
Featured image via Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports Images
