Earlier tonight, the Bengals told us that cornerback Pacman Jones was arrested and released in a case of mistaken identity. Jones’ agent, Thomas Hunter, has provided more details.
Jones was involved in a minor automobile accident after Sunday’s game between the Buccaneers and the Bengals. Jones remained at the scene due to the possibility of a pedestrian injury. When police arrived, Jones identified himself. Police discovered an outstanding felony warrant for “Adam Jones”. Before confirming that Adam “Pacman” Jones is the same Adam Jones for whom police were looking, the Pacman version of Adam Jones was handcuffed.
Hunter tells us that Jones told the police they were mistaken, but that the police didn’t accept his explanation. Jones remained in handcuffs for 45 minutes before being placed in a cruiser and driven from the scene. Then, two blocks later, the police abruptly acknowledged the error and released him.
Don’t be surprised if Pacman makes a stink over this one, and we think he should.
“It was a stupid thing that deprived him of his liberty and embarrassed him and humiliated him in front of everybody,” Hunter said. “Everybody saw him being arrested.”
Indeed, photos of Jones in handcuffs and sitting on a sidewalk quickly migrated to the Internet, along with widespread accounts of Jones being arrested.
And before any of you claim that Pacman shouldn’t be upset because he has extensive experience riding in the back of a police car, what would you think if police assumed you were “wanted” and arrested you without first being damn sure they had the right person?
The obligation to get it right becomes even more important when dealing with common names like “Jones”.
So we think Pacman should demand answers on this one. If it happened to any of us, we sure as heck would.