If you were looking for in-depth answers from the Patriots coaching staff on Jack Jones and what led him to leave and then return to the practice field Thursday, you’re going to be sorely disappointed. Or, you just know the drill after two decades plus.
Linebacker coach Jerod Mayo channeled his inner Bill Belichick Friday when asked about what transpired.
“I honestly, I don’t even really want to talk about yesterday,” said Mayo. “Just kind of move forward. I hate to give you that answer but ask (Mike) Pellegrino (cornerback coach) or coach (Bill Belichick).”
Belichick wasn’t available but Pellegrino was. He happened to be right there when Jones made a nice pass breakup of a ball intended for Kendrick Bourne. He was also there as the young corner ripped off the pads he was wearing on his hands. Jones got both verbally and physically animated in that moment, and it continued for a bit. That led to the 25-year-old leaving the field, although he eventually returned some 20 minutes later, even if remained detached from the rest of the defense. Matt Groh, Jalen Mills and Jabril Peppers each took time to speak with him, before Jones signed a few autographs and retreated back to the locker room.
“It was a great play,” recalled Pellegrino. “We had a conversation and that conversation is personal and we’re moving on to training camp (practice) 9 and watch him grow as each day goes forward.”
Pressed further, the veteran assistant added very little.
“For you, obviously it's tough to understand what’s going on, but the conversations I have with my players are personal, especially in those scenarios like that. It just ended up ... you guys don’t know what happened but I’m not going to share what we spoke about.”
Per sources, there has been internal concern about how Jones has and will handle his impending legal matters while also trying to remain focused on his job. Mayo, who praised Jones for his on-field improvement this spring and summer, spoke more on that aspect with us.
“I’ll let Jack speak on that (his focus) but what I will say is one thing - and we’ve all been through things before - one thing about this beautiful game is that once you cross those white lines, nothing else really matters," Pellegrino said. "Once you get around the guys in the locker room or weight room, nothing else really matters. That’s what he’s focused on now. He’s focused on moving forward.”
We have yet to hear from Jones since he was arrested. The Pats are back at practice tonight, holding their annual in-stadium session.