Pacman Jones’s anger management classes are not yet bearing fruit.
The Cincinnati Bengals cornerback went off on a reporter Monday for asking if he felt he had to prove anything to the fans after his offseason arrest, which ended with him being ordered to take anger management courses.
Jay Morrison of the Dayton Daily News reported that Jones had started the interview by telling the assembled reporters that he wasn’t going “to talk about court,” presumably referring to his offseason arrest and subsequent legal issues. One reporter asked him how important it was for him to still be with the Bengals despite the arrest, and he gave an honest, measured answer.
“Words can’t express can’t express my gratitude or my feelings for the organization, Mr. (Mike) Brown, coach (Marvin) Lewis, the teammates, the City of Cincinnati,” Jones said. “This is home for me. I’m very eager to be here. I don’t take it for granted. I love playing football, and I love helping the guys out and working together for one common goal, which is winning. I’m more than happy to be here.”
Later in the media session, however, the same reporter asked a question about whether he felt he had anything to prove to the fans given many were upset over his conduct during the offseason.
“Didn’t I just tell you don’t ask me that?” Jones responded. “You out the (interview). Turn around. Go back that way. See you. Next question. That’s his last interview for the year.”
The reporter did leave, but Jones continued to rant, yelling at the reporter for asking “stupid ass (expletive) questions” as the journalist retreated to the restroom. The verbal attacks continued even once he’d returned, with Jones telling him to “shut the (expletive) up.”
Several teammates attempted to calm Jones, and coach Marvin Lewis eventually had to come in to sit him down and talk with him.
The question Jones was asked was quite reasonable and didn’t directly address his offseason arrest, and it’s embarrassing that he’d have that reaction. On the very first day of voluntary workouts, he’s again forcing an organization to defend stupid behavior even after a public admission that perhaps they’ve been too forgiving of the defensive back.
