The Doggy Bag: Helluva Drug Edition

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Would it really be the worst thing for the UFC if their superstar champion was into the party lifestyle? Other athletes have these problems, they just do a better, more professional job at covering them up. I don't think Jones should just go nuts, get in more car accidents and abuse drugs, but wouldn't it make him a bigger deal to the public if he was a notorious sports figure like Mike Tyson or Lawrence Taylor or Ron Artest? Or am I underestimating how “bad for the sport” this is? -- Chris from Philippines

Brian Knapp, features editor: I’m frankly shocked by the lack of widespread concern within the mixed martial arts community regarding Jones’ positive test for cocaine. I personally don’t care about how this might be “bad for the sport.” Jones is arguably the biggest star in MMA at the moment, but more importantly, he is a 27-year-old father whose responsibilities stretch far beyond the cage. Judging by some of the reaction, a lot of MMA fans would probably benefit from taking longer looks in the mirror.

Does the name Len Bias ring a bell for anyone? Bias was a two-time NCAA All-American basketball player and two-time ACC Player of the Year at the University of Maryland, where he led the Terrapins to four consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances under legendary head coach Lefty Driesell. As a senior during the 1985-86 season, the 6-foot-8, 210-pound forward averaged better than 23 points and seven rebounds a game. He was arguably the best player in America, with enough talent and star power to draw comparisons to the incomparable Michael Jordan.

The Boston Celtics selected Bias with the No. 1 overall pick in the 1986 NBA Draft, anointing him as the man who would one day take the franchise’s torch from Larry Bird. Early the following morning, Bias retired to a dorm room to celebrate with friends. That celebration included cocaine. Bias suffered a seizure and heart attack as the result of an overdose, and on June 18, 1986, he was pronounced dead at the age of 22, mere hours after the Celtics had called his name. He never set foot on an NBA court.

It is the ultimate cautionary tale for athletes who read too many of their headlines and believe themselves to be invincible. Jones and those people with whom he surrounds himself should become familiar with it. We are all mortal beings. Just ask James and Lonise Bias, who buried their son almost 29 years ago.

While so many others seem flippant about Jones’ drug use, I’m hoping the man gets help -- real help. I would hate to wake up one morning to hear they had found him dead on the floor somewhere.

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