Daniel Cormier, despite his rivalry with Jon Jones, supports Jones in dismissing the misdemeanor charges related to an alleged altercation with drug-testing agents as overblown and unlikely to result in significant consequences.
Daniel Cormier may never lead Jon Jones’ cheering section. But even he is backing his longtime rival regarding the misdemeanor charges Jones faces over an alleged altercation with drug-testing agents in March.
The whole ordeal started after representatives from Drug Free Sport — the UFC’s anti-doping partner — visited Jones’ house on March 30. One agent filed a police report claiming that Jones was aggressive toward her and her co-worker, feeling “terrified” and fearing Jones might hit her.
Jones vehemently denied the account. He was eventually handed an assault charge, a petty misdemeanor, and another misdemeanor for interference with communications after allegedly grabbing the drug tester’s phone. On Wednesday, Jones pleaded not guilty to both charges.
“If I’m being completely honest though, the whole time, I kind of thought the deal was B.S.” Cormier said on his YouTube channel. “I feel like he was approached very early or late in the evening when he could have been home having some drinks.”
“I know we all rush to judge Jones because of his past issues,” Cormier continued. “But if a man is at his house and having some drinks in his own home, so what? It’s his right.”
“If the drug testers come and he might be tipsy or messed up, maybe interactions aren’t as smooth,” Cormier added. “I always thought it was B.S. I don’t think much will come of it.”
According to the police report, drug tester Crystal Martinez told authorities she showed up at Jones’ home around 4 p.m., smelling alcohol on him.
Jones later stated that the drug testers visited during a birthday party after he had taken a nap. He denied threatening them and planned to “vigorously defend” himself against the allegations.
Even if convicted on both charges, Jones would face less than one year in jail and a maximum fine of $1,500. But it’s highly unlikely either happens.
While pleading not guilty in court, his attorneys will likely cut a plea deal with prosecutors that may end in some punishment but almost no chance of jail time over misdemeanors.
Cormier understands why so much attention gets paid to Jones due to his numerous arrests throughout his UFC career.
“Because he is who he is, it’s always a story,” Cormier said. “Regardless of what happens to this guy.”
“Living in the spotlight means everything shines brighter on him,” Cormier noted. “But this isn’t that big of a deal compared to more serious past incidents.”
“If you are hoping something comes of this because you dislike Jones,” Cormier concluded, “I don’t think it will. A misdemeanor is just the court taking action because they have to do something.”
Despite their rocky past, Cormier doesn’t expect much from this court case. He’s backing Jones, viewing it as much ado about nothing.
“I’m not the judge or jury,” Cormier said. “Just a guy who doesn’t like another guy but stands up for him because I know it’s bullshit.”