"Pacman" Jones Turns Himself In

The legal saga of suspended Tennessee Titans' cornerback Adam "Pacman" Jones continues. Since being drafted by the Tennessee Titans with the sixth overall pick in the 2005 NFL draft, Jones has been sought by police for questioning more often than he has made big plays on the football field. Jones has been arrested six times since joining the Titans, and, according to authorities, he has been involved in 11 police investigations across the country. As of yet, he has not been convicted of any crimes, but that may all change due to recent events.

Absent his long dreadlocks, Jones turned himself in on Friday after he had an arrest warrant issued for him earlier in the week. According to an associated press article on espn.com, Jones posted bail early on Friday and planed to return home to Nashville. Las Vegas police stated that Jones was booked and released at about 2am. Jones was released on $20,000 bail, and he is scheduled to be back in the Las Vegas court on July 23rd. Jones plans to plead not guilty to the two counts of felony coercion that have been brought against him.

Whether or not these charges will effect Jones' NFL suspension is unclear at this point. Jones was suspended for the entire 2007 NFL season by newly appointed commissioner Roger Goodell for his multiple incidents with law enforcement officials.

The details of the charges against Jones, his bodyguard Robert Reid, and Sadia Morrison are contained in an Associated Press article on ESPN.com news wire. The charges stem from an incident inside a Las Vegas strip club which preceded a shooting. The incident occurred this past February 19th at the Minxx club. Three people were injured in the shooting including a club bouncer. Thomas Urbanski was shot in the left hand and torso and was paralyzed as a result of his injuries. No one as of yet has been identified as the shooter.

The two counts of felony coercion against Jones stem from allegations that he bit a bouncer on the ankle and threatened the life of club employees. Coercion is defined as the act of threatening or physically interfering with a person who is attempting to do something that he or she has a right and responsibility to do. Each count of coercion carries a maximum sentence of six years in prison and a $5,000 fine. If convicted on both accounts Jones could face up to twelve years behind bars and $10,000 in fines.

Sources:
Associated Press. Pacman faces felony charges in shooting that paralyzed man. June 21, 2007. http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2910497.Retrieved June 21, 2007.
Associated Press. Pacman surrenders for arrest on felony charges. June 23, 2007. http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2912772. Retrieved June 24, 2007.