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Patriots DE Chandler Jones: 'I made a stupid mistake'

By The Sports Xchange
New England Patriots defensive end Chandler Jones. Photo by Art Foxall/UPI
1 of 2 | New England Patriots defensive end Chandler Jones. Photo by Art Foxall/UPI | License Photo

New England Patriots defensive end Chandler Jones said he made a mistake that led him to walk to the police station confused and seeking medical attention on Sunday.

"I made a stupid mistake," Jones said Thursday in front of his locker at Gillette Stadium following the final full practice before Saturday's AFC divisional playoff game against the Kansas City Chiefs.

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Jones, according to police reports released earlier in the day, walked from his home to the Foxborough Police Department. He was found in front of the building on his knees with his hands behind his head as if submitted to be taken into custody. He was taken to an area hospital.

The Boston Globe reported Jones had a bad reaction to synthetic marijuana. Synthetic marijuana is not illegal in Massachusetts.

Jones politely responded to specific questions about his mental and emotional health with a similar response "I understand the question. I'm focusing on the Kansas City Chiefs."

Jones expects to play in the game and has participated in each practice this week. The Patriots said he was at the team facility Monday -- the day after his incident -- lifting weights at 6:30 a.m.

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Patriots head coach Bill Belichick said earlier Thursday that health and safety of players and staff is his top priority.

"Relative to Chandler (Jones') situation, there is nothing more important to me personally than the health and well-being of our players, staff and support people in the organization," Belichick said, later declining multiple follow-up questions with variations of 'I've addressed it.'

"That's the way it is with this organization and me personally, and I don't think that will ever change. We issued a statement on that, and I really don't have anything to add to it," Belichick said.

Teammates offered support for Jones but did not delve into details of the report or speculate on his game-day status. Belichick joked Thursday that he could just "Xerox the game plan" to reporters and the Chiefs when asked if Jones would be involved.

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