A video of the incident shows Wesley, who was on the FB’s outdoor patio, getting into an altercation with Jones, who was on the sidewalk on the other side of the fenced-in patio.
Jones’ agent, Peter Schaffer, said two women whom Jones described as intoxicated requested a photo with him, but he refused because he is married and didn’t want the picture to be circulated on social media sites.
Jones said after Wesley struck him with a beer bottle, he slapped her in self-defense.
“If you see the video, it’s self explanatory,” Jones told radio station ESPN 1530 shortly after his release from jail Monday afternoon.
“Before I knew it I was stuck with a bottle and I was just trying to make sure I was all right,” he continued. “The only thing I was doing was trying to defend myself, not trying to hurt anybody. I didn’t draw back and swing and hit her with my right hand. It was just a quick reaction.”
The Bengals begin their three-day mandatory minicamp today, but it is unclear whether Jones, who has been slowed by a calf injury he suffered May 21 during an organized team activity practice, will be present or how his recent arrest will affect his status with the team.
“It’s not appropriate for us to comment on unresolved legal matters,” Bengals public relations director Jack Brennan said.
“We’re aware of it and will review the facts at the appropriate time,” NFL spokesman Greg Aiello told NFL.com.
Jones has been arrested several times and had numerous other incidents that involved the police since he was a first-round pick of the Tennessee Titans in 2005. The NFL eventually suspended him for the entire 2009 season.
Jones spoke candidly about his past transgressions during training camp last year after the NFL had invited him to speak at the rookie symposium. Jones insisted he was a changed man.
“I’m not the same person I was back then,” he said at the time. “I regret some things I did, but all I can do now is take responsibility for my actions.”
Jones is entering his fourth season in Cincinnati and is coming of his most productive season as a Bengal after playing in all 16 regular-season games and the Wildcard playoff loss. He recorded 43 tackles, 11 passes defended, a sack and a forced fumble. He also ranked among the top punt returners in the league with an 11.6-yard average that included an 81-yard touchdown against Cleveland on Sept. 16, leading to him being named AFC Special Teams Player of the Week.
A free agent at the end of the season, he signed a three-year contract with the Bengals on March 25.
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