Jon Jones Speaks For First Time Since Drug Test Failure; Talks Past Drug Use, Rehab Stay

After two weeks of silence following the announcement of a failed drug test for cocaine, UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Jon "Bones" Jones appeared on Fox Sports Live to speak out about the situation.

"The last few weeks have been bittersweet, more bitter than sweet," Jones said. The 27-year old standout failed an out-of-competition drug test administered in early December, with the results being announced the Monday following UFC 182.

"I was at home with my family and Dana White gave me a call and let me know what happened. He said the Athletic Commission let him know what happened. He was concerned and asked me what had happened and why it happened," Jones said.

Jones wasn't suspended by the Nevada State Athletic Commission due to the test being administered "out-of-competition," as cocaine isn't actually a banned substance under those restrictions. "In-competition" is considered within 12 hours before of after the fight. Jones said that none of his team knew about his cocaine use, and he decided to continue training.

"Not even my coaches knew I could possibly be dirty for a drug test. I knew the test would come out positive, there was nothing I could do about it. I decided to focus on what I could control, the fight," Jones said. Jones actually posted video of him being drug tested to his Instagram account.

"It did cross my mind, being suspended and not being able to fight. I got to weigh-ins, so close and nobody had said anything to me about it. I'm not here to make excuses, I did it. I think a coward would try to come up with an elaborate reason, and I'm not going to do that. I'm not going to blame my friends or stress or pressure. What I will say is that I messed up. I can't say it was a mistake because I consciously used it," said Jones.

Jones was prodded about his past drug use, and admitted it wasn't the first time he'd used cocaine. There had been unsubstantiated rumors within the MMA community over the past several years, but no evidence to back those claims.

"I had done it a few times before in college, I had experienced with it. I had dipped in and dabbed into it. I'm definitely not perfect by any means. It's not my thing, the night I did it, i don't know what came over me, but I did," Jones said. "I've dabbed in my fair share of partying, I'll say."

Despite all of those issues, Jones claims he doesn't have a problem. While concerned about the ramifications on his career and the UFC's image, Jones said he's okay.

"I'm not a cocaine addict or even a frequent user, I really got caught with my pants down. No I don't (have a problem). (It's) out of character for me. Cocaine is such a dirty drug. I sincerely apologized to Dana White and Lorenzo (Ferttitta) and my family."

Jones said he felt like he embarrassed his brothers, although one said that he sees it a lot in the NFL. Jones said his mother was supportive and just wanted him to be healthy. Both of Jones' brothers are pro football players, with Chandler set to play in this year's Super Bowl.

Perhaps a more interesting situation presented was Jones' unsusual testosterone to epitestosterone ratios, which came in abnormally low. These ratios caused controversy as they can originate from an athlete cycling off of PED's, although there is no evidence to corroborate that in Jones' case. The Nevada Athletic Commission took note of this and administered a carbon isotope ratio test in which cleared Jones.

"The Athletic commission did some tests, and supposedly both Daniel and I had levels that are lower than normal. I have never, ever taken any type of performance enhancement drug," he said. Jones also went on to say he was positive that his UFC 182 opponent Daniel Cormier was not a PED user.

Another controversy ensued when Jones' mother revealed to a television station that Jones only stayed one night in a rehab facility. Jones explained his rehab stay:

"I went to a rehab facility and did a 24-hour evaluation period and spoke to about 3 doctors. They came to the conclusion I didn't need to be inpatient. They put me in an outpatient house and I stayed there for the day. I was willing to stay there as long as I needed to be there" Jones said that he was told he didn't need to be there, but he'll continued to be drug tested and will undergo counseling. Jones stated that he obviously wouldn't use cocaine again, but wouldn't commit to not drinking or "enjoying life."

Jones expressed remorse for his decision, and was fined $25,000 by the UFC for violating their code of conduct policy.