Cavs guard Jones interviewed in sex offense case

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Cavs guard Jones interviewed in sex offense case
Cavs guard Jones interviewed in sex offense case

By TOM WITHERS, AP Sports Writer
March 7, 2006

CLEVELAND (AP) -- Cleveland Cavaliers guard Damon Jones has been interviewed by police after an Arizona woman reported a possible sexual offense.

Jones, who signed a four-year, $16 million contract with the Cavs last summer, denied wrongdoing before Tuesday night's game against Toronto.

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"I am fully aware of the false accusations that have been made against me," Jones said. "I've been very cooperative with the Westlake police and their investigation of this whole matter.

"When the investigation is over I feel like I will be vindicated of all charges. Until the investigation is over I will not be making any more public statements because I don't want to put the Westlake police's investigation in any jeopardy at all."

Earlier in the day, police in Westlake -- a suburb 15 miles west of Cleveland -- released a statement saying that they were investigating a possible sex offense. According to an incident report from the agency, the alleged incident is to have occurred late Friday or early Saturday and did not involve a weapon.

Police would not identify the person who filed the complaint or say how or even if it involved Jones.

"It is unclear at this time what behavior (if any) took place in Westlake and whether that behavior cons utes an offense," the statement said. "One person who may have had some role in the matter is a professional athlete. That person has been cooperative in the investigation."

Cavaliers general manager Danny Ferry released a statement during the second half of Tuesday's game saying the team would not comment during the investigation.

Jones missed practice Monday with flu-like symptoms.

Westlake police Capt. Guy Turner could not confirm or deny that Jones was the athlete officers interviewed. He said police were hoping to speak with the woman, who was recently in the Cleveland area.

After returning to Arizona, she notified local police, who took information from her and gathered evidence, Turner said, declining to identify the law enforcement agency she spoke with.

"Preliminary indications are that something might have happened in Westlake," said Turner, who indicated that the investigation could take weeks.

Jones, 29, is averaging 6.8 points and 1.9 assists for the Cavaliers. He was brought in to help Cleveland's woeful outside shooting but has struggled with his shot.

Jones has played for 10 teams since joining the league in 1998-99.

Last month, Jones became the first NBA player to sign an endorsement contract with Li-Ning, China's largest sports apparel maker.

[Johnny_Blaze_47]

Damon Jones couldn't be involved in this case...

He hasn't been close to hitting the hole all season long.