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The Honolulu Advertiser
Updated at 10:40 a.m., Saturday, March 14, 2009

NFL: Jaguars' Matt Jones released from jail

By CHUCK BARTELS
Associated Press Writer

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Matt Jones has been released a day early from a week-long stay in jail for drinking beer in violation of his plea agreement for a drug charge.

The Washington County Sheriff's Department says Jones was freed this morning after a judge issued an order saying Jones could leave the lockup early. At a hearing Monday, Jones was ordered to stay in jail until Sunday, after he asked to be locked up rather than spend six weeks in a residential treatment facility.

Jones flunked a drug and alcohol screening, and he explained to the judge on Monday that he drank beer while playing golf the week before.

The former Arkansas Razorback was charged with cocaine possession in July. He was later suspended for the last three games of the 2008 season for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy. In a plea deal, Jones was accepted into a program that emphasizes treatment.