USADA issues statement after rumors of payoff in Jon Jones case

The circumstances of Jon Jones’ dealings with the United States Anti-Doping Agency are extremely mysterious. It’s been well over a year since the former light heavyweight champion’s failed drug test, which came to light after his July, 2017 fight with Daniel Cormier, yet we still have no answers with respect to his punishment.

This has led some members of the MMA community to speculate that there could be some kind of seediness going on with Jon Jones’ case — perhaps even a financial payoff to accelerate his return to the cage.

USADA wants you to know that this is not the case.

In a statement to MMAjunkie, USADA assured that there is no payoff involved in Jon Jones case. Moreover, the agency does not ever accept payoffs when considering athlete punishments.

“In relation to some media and social media comments we have observed, USADA wishes to clarify that under no circumstances do we receive payments as part of the resolution of cases.”

While the verdict is still out on Jon Jones’ future, the fighter himself seems to be optimistic a return to action is in the cards. He has repeatedly hinted at a comeback on social media, promising that the best is yet to come.

Interestingly, Jon Jones manager Malki Kawa has also been suggesting for some time that a USADA decision is probably due quite soon. Back in July, he said he expected clarity with respect to Jones’ case before the end of that month.

“I’m very confident we will have a decision on this thing by the end of this month,” Kawa said on Ariel Helwani’s MMA show in early July. “They’re pushing hard. I know everyone involved is working hard to come to a resolution. I know that the UFC is anxiously waiting and we’re dealing with USADA on a daily basis. They’ve been really good with us as far as really investigating this thing and looking at it from a lot of different angles and stuff.”

“I’m hoping he gets cleared in the next month or so and that the opportunity to fight presents itself. If it’s next year, early next year or whatever it is, I’m confident.”

What do you think the future holds for Jon Jones? When do you think the former light heavyweight champ will be back?

This article first appeared on BJPENN.COM on 9/13/2018.