Pacman Jones made the local news again, taking out a full-page ad in the sports section of the Friday morning edition of The Tennessean, in which he made a public statement.
The ad itself made front-page news, so Pacman and his lawyers got a lot more ad for their advertising cost. The normal rate for that type of ad is about $11,500, according to the paper.
It’s the third statement Pacman has made in the last two weeks.
In his interview with Deion Sanders on NFL Network, following his meeting with commissioner Roger Goodell, Pacman made the following statement:
Ive got some things I need to apologize for. I apologize to the NFL for the publicity theyre getting. I apologize to the Tennessee Titans for the negative publicity Ive brought to the team. I apologize to my teammates for letting them down.”
A few days following that interview Pacman appeared in an interview from a boxing match at a casino. The most notable things Pac said were that the punishment was too harsh and he planned to appeal it. But it wasn’t what was said that was notable, it was the venue.
I don’t think Commissioner Goodell was thrilled to find out Pacman was doing an interview in a gambling establishment, attending an event in a sport with a sleazy reputation. And this only three days after he and Pacman discussed the negative publicity Pacman was making for the league.
Nor do I think Pacman’s agent and lawyers were happy with this latest lapse in judgment. They’re still in damage control mode and the ad is the latest step.
I’m sure they recognize the gamble in taking this risk. It’s a move that could easily backfire on them. All it would take is another incident involving Pacman, even if he was an innocent bystander in a bad situation. Football fans and non-fans alike will wonder why Pacman once again used poor judgment by placing himself in surroundings that don’t look good.
Apparently, his lawyers feel it’s a risk worth taking, which is an encouraging sign. Perhaps they’re convinced Pacman is sincere this time and really does want to straighten himself out.
Following is the full text of the ad:
April 20, 2007
To My Family, My Coaches and Teammates and Our Fans:
At age 23, I never thought my life would come to a crossroads. Over the past two years I have made many mistakes that have affected my family, my team and most importantly our fans.
In the past few weeks, I have learned a lifetime of lessons. First and foremost, I need to reorganize my priorities. As a grown man and a new father, my first priority is my daughter and family. Second, I have to not only meet the expectations of my coaches, teammates and fans, but to exceed them in every respect, on and off the field. The first step in meeting these goals is for me to stop making the poor choices that have put me in this position.
Learning that I would be suspended from the NFL was one of the worst moments in my life. Facing the reality that everything I had worked so hard for could be taken away from me in an instant was hard enough, but recognizing that it was due to my own actions has caused me to seriously reflect upon my life and my future.
As the first member of my family to go to college, I have decided to re-enroll at my alma mater and finish earning my degree. I will also work with the West Virginia University Athletic Department to set up a yearly scholarship that would be awarded to a walk-on player as chosen by the coaching staff.
While I make no excuses for the past nor do I ask for any sympathy, my attorneys have advised me to appeal the suspension imposed by Commissioner Goodell. The basis of the appeal, which will also be heard by Commissioner Goodell, will be to clarify some of the facts and address the unprecedented punishment that was imposed.
To my family, teammates, coaches and fans, I recognize I have lost the right to ask for your patience and understanding; however, I will do everything in my power to regain your trust and respect.
Sincerely,
Adam “Pacman” Jones
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