Chandler Jones Cut by Las Vegas Raiders; Troubled ex New England Patriots Facing Uncertain Future
The saga surrounding Las Vegas Raiders, and former New England Patriots, defensive end Chandler Jones continues to fall deeper into unfortunate circumstances.
The Raiders, on Saturday, revealed that they are releasing the troubled defensive end Jones, putting a temporary — and perhaps permanent end to the on-field career of the standout player … who now needs to find answers beyond football.
Jones was arrested Friday in Las Vegas after a tragic week that included multiple posts to social media alleging a series of bizarre conspiratorial accusations.
At one point, Jones insisted that his issues are due to Raiders owner Mark Davis harboring secrets about child molestation.
“Once I found out what was done to this little girl,” Jones posted, “I wasn’t allowed back in the building.”
He continued (while later claiming his account was “hacked”) …
“You can call me whatever you want, CTE, a dumb football player, dumb black man.. whatever y’all want, keyboard warriors. Meanwhile our children are getting molested. That’s why I couldn’t get a sack today. Because ppl wanted to [rape] my step daughter and not expect me to get upset.”
Jones also made inferences via a social media video posting — in which Jones was visibly sobbing at times — regarding Raiders coach [and former Patriots coordinator] Josh McDaniels’ alleged involvement into the death of former Pats tight end Aaron Hernandez.
From 2012-15, Jones was one of New England’s most electrifying defenders. He was drafted by the Patriots out of Syracuse in the first round with the 21st overall selection in 2012. He started 52 of his 55 regular-season appearances for the Pats, compiling 211 tackles (38 for loss,) 36 sacks, 10 forced fumbles (recovering two,) eight passes-defended and his only career interception. He earned a Pro Bowl nod as a Patriot in 2015 and was selected to New England’s All-2010s Team.
It was Jones who last December returned the Patriots’ “Lunatic Lateral” for a bizarre game-ending touchdown in Las Vegas as a member of the Raiders in December 2022.
Ultimately, Jones was arrested on Friday after allegedly violating a domestic violence temporary protective order.
The Raiders said in a statement that they are “hopeful that Chandler Jones receives the care that he needs. He, his family, and all those involved are in our thoughts.”
Jones, 33, has been away from the Raiders since Labor Day weekend – right after that Dallas preseason game – when he issued a series of social media posts ripping the Raiders and team owner Mark Davis and most other organizational authority figures.
In fact, the last time Jones was truly a member in good standing of the Las Vegas Raiders was in their final preseason game against the Dallas Cowboys — New England’s Week 4 opponent.
The Raiders placed Jones on the non-football injury/illness list right as Jones posted on social media that he was taken to a hospital “against my will” by the Las Vegas Fire Department and later transferred to a behavioral health facility.
