Chris Jones, who has been a starting point guard for the University of Louisville men’s basketball team since the departure of Peyton Siva after the 2012-2013 season, was recently suspended and finally dismissed from the team and now he’s facing some serious charges. When Jones was first suspended from playing on February 17, details were very scarce. However, a statement recently released by university athletic director Kenny Klein reveals that the suspension came as a result of a threatening text message Jones sent to a fellow student.
Klein states that on February 17, head coach Rick Pitino was attending a dinner with the team when he was informed about the text message. Jones was immediately suspended from the team and didn’t even travel with them when they took on the Syracuse Orange the next day. The matter was discussed, however, and according to Klein, Jones was able to return to the team after sitting out just one game once he agreed to turn in his cell phone. But it wasn’t long until Jones apparently violated a curfew, one of the requirements for him staying on the team. On February 22, he was officially dismissed from the team.
Now, it appears as though Jones is facing some accusations that are even more serious. Earlier today, it was revealed that police had issued a warrant for Jones’ arrest based on rape and sodomy charges. Jones turned himself in and immediately appeared in front of a judge today, who allowed him to be released on home incarceration with a $25,000 bond.
Jones has apparently withdrawn from classes and is currently living in a hotel room. He was previously living in the athletic dorm with his now former teammates. Jones pleaded not guilty to the charges.