FOXBOROUGH – Popping into the locker room minutes before the end of the media's 45-minute access period, Patriots defensive end Chandler Jones spoke publicly for the first time since a Sunday incident that sent him to the police, then to the hospital.
Jones, according to a source with knowledge of the situation, had a bad reaction to synthetic marijuana on Sunday morning. Shirtless, he went to the Foxboro Police station and asked for assistance. After being evaluated by police, he was transported by ambulance to Norwood Hospital, where he was admitted and released later on Sunday.
Jones has practiced all week with the Patriots, and is expected to play on Saturday against the Kansas City Chiefs in an AFC divisional round playoff game.
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"I want to start off by saying I made a pretty stupid mistake this weekend," Jones said. "Right now my main focus is on becoming the best player I can be, helping the team and focusing on Kansas City."
Three media questions followed, all relating to Sunday's incident.
Question: Are you in any trouble with substance questions?
Jones: "I understand the question, but right now my main focus is trying to hone in on Kansas City."
Question: Did you feel the need to apologize to your teammates?
Jones: "I feel the need to apologize to everyone, but right now, as I said, I made a mistake. Each and every day, all I can focus on is Kansas City. I know it sounds competitive, I know I'm repeating myself, but that's what it is right now. Becoming the best No. 95 I can be and help my team out."
Question: Were you scared for your life on Sunday morning?
Jones: "Like I said, I understand the question, I do. I truly understand it. I want to apologize to all the fans. This weekend is probably going to be – I'm trying, I'm focusing on probably the biggest game of my life. I'm just trying to clear this, but like I said, I made a stupid mistake."
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Michael Whitmer can be reached at mwhitmer@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @GlobeWhitmer.