Illinois DT Chris Jones has been suspended indefinitely by head coach Ron Zook following an arrest for aggravated battery, according to spokesman Kent Brown. Jones was arrested over the weekend for assaulting two men. Earlier reports claim that Jones attacked the men for their sexual orientation, but now Jones is saying, according to the Associated Press (via the Sporting News), that the two men had attacked him earlier in the week. Other reports claim that just one of the men “jumped” Jones.
Chris Jones Arrest: Illini DT Suspended Indefinitely After Alleged Attack
However, the case against Jones is for aggravated assault rather than a hate crime because a longer jail sentence is possible should a conviction take place. Jones has yet to enter a plea in the case.
Upon further investigation by reporters, it was discovered that Jones was convicted for cocaine possession in 2010. Though at first the university claimed they had knowledge of the situation, a university spokesman amended that and acknowledged that the football staff was unaware of it.
Check back with this StoryStream for further updates. And for more on the Illinois football program, visit SB Nation’s Illinois blog, Hail to the Orange.
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