New England Patriots defensive end Chandler Jones was rushed to Norwood Hospital on Sunday, according to Erin Smith and Laurel J. Sweet of The Boston Herald. Jones reportedly showed up at the Foxboro Police Department with a medical emergency, but Foxboro Police Chief Edward T. O'Leary denied that his department had any dealing with the Patriots defensive lineman, according to Smith, and Sweet. Jones was reportedly taken to Norwood Hospital in part because of the use of pills, according to WEEI's Chris Curtis.
The Patriots star defensive end reportedly walked up to the police station parking lot "all jammed up shirtless and shoeless asking for help from police," according to Lou Merloni of WEEI.
The dispatch records have shown that a minimum of five officers where on the scene while Jones was being evaluated. After finding this information, the Herald reached out to O'Leary to ask whether he had misspoken regarding the Patriots defensive end. "No, because it was a medical call. I didn't look at it as a police specific call," responded O'Leary, via The Boston Herald.
The Foxboro police department sent an officer to Jones' home to reportedly secure the residence, and O'Leary denied knowing why one of his officers was sent, according to Smith and Sweet. The specifics surrounding the incident seem up in the air at this point, and neither the Patriots nor the Foxboro Police Department look like they will be forthcoming with any more information. Jones was at practice on Monday and Tuesday, but he has not spoken with the media since the incident. The Patriots have since released a statement to the Herald: "Chandler Jones was admitted to the hospital on Sunday and released that day. He reported to work on time Monday morning and has participated in all meetings and practices since then."
The Patriots face the Kansas City Chiefs this Saturday in the divisional round of the NFL playoffs, and Jones has been an impact playmaker on the defensive side of the ball this season, recording 12.5 sacks. It will be interesting to follow what happens regarding Jones and a possible investigation, but the talented defensive end is expected to be on the field in this highly anticipated playoff matchup.
