New England Patriots defensive end Chandler Jones apologized Thursday for what he said was a “pretty stupid mistake” that led him to seek the help of police in Foxborough, Massachusetts, on Sunday morning and to be admitted to a nearby hospital.

It was Jones’ first remarks since the incident, in which he arrived at the police station shirtless and disoriented, according to police documents released earlier Thursday. An officer who went to Jones’ house that morning said it smelled of “burnt marijuana,” the documents show.

“I want to start off by saying I made a pretty stupid mistake this weekend,” Jones told reporters after the Patriots’ practice at Gillette Stadium. “Right now, my main focus is becoming the best player I can be and helping the team. We’re focusing on Kansas City.” The Patriots will host the Chiefs Saturday in an AFC divisional playoff game.

When asked if he felt the need to apologize to his teammates, Jones said, “I feel the need to apologize to everyone.”

Coach Bill Belichick addressed Jones’ situation with an unusual opening statement at his Thursday morning press conference. He began by saying, “There is nothing more important to me personally than the health and well-being of our players, staff and support people in the organization.”

He would not answer any questions specific to Jones. At one point, Belichick was asked about Jones’ playing time Saturday.

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“Well we’ll find out on Saturday,” Belichick responded tersely. “I could Xerox you a copy of the game plan and you can send it over to Kansas City. That might be easier for all of us.”

Jones behaved oddly upon arriving at the police station and before being transported to a local hospital, the police documents show. He was released from the hospital later that day.

“Without any warning or provocation,” Jones dropped to his knees and locked his hands behind his head, according to a write-up of the incident by officer David J. Foscaldo.

“Mr. Jones was unable to provide us with a plausible or legitimate explanation as to why he had gone to the rear door of our police station,” the officer wrote. “It was quite evident that Mr. Jones was desperately seeking our assistance, and he had not certainly committed any crimes.”

Two officers grabbed Jones’ arms and he stated, “‘I’m Chandler Jones …’ and he kept telling us he had ‘been told’ to come to our police station.”

An ambulance was called to take Jones to a nearby hospital. While in the ambulance, Jones remembered he left his keys at his home. A police officer was sent to Jones’ home and “noticed the smell of burnt marijuana. The officer locked the house, and notified the desk of what he had smelled, and to advise Fire Paramedics,” the report stated.

Marijuana use is banned by the NFL. A first violation results in the player being referred to the league’s substance abuse program, but no fine or suspension.

NFL spokesman Greg Aiello declined to comment on whether the league would investigate or impose discipline.


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