Quinton Jackson Pleads Guilty

by Robert Sargent

Following his arrest last July on felony and misdemeanour counts relating to a high-speed chase with police in the Newport Beach area of California, former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Quinton "Rampage" Jackson has pleaded guilty to the charges.

The July 15th chase stemmed from a mental breakdown following Jackson's controversial loss to Forrest Griffin at UFC 86, and Jackson will be sentenced on January 7, 2010.

As a result of Jackson's plea agreement, he could face up to six months in jail and probation when he is sentenced. In addition, he must perform 200 hours of community service, attend mental health therapy meetings and pay restitution.

Additional terms and conditions of Jackson's sentencing could include restrictions on alcohol intake and court-ordered drug testing. Jackson was not under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs during the bizarre chase with police, though his delirium was attributed to a fasting which saw Jackson remain awake for days after his UFC 86 fight while subsiding on energy drinks alone.

Jackson initially pleaded not guilty to the charges that came about as a result of the July 15th chase, which saw Jackson drive his high-rise custom Ford truck down the wrong side of numerous major streets, hitting three vehicles in total and nearly colliding with numerous pedestrians on the sidewalks. A tire eventually exploded on Jackson's truck, which led to his arrest soon after.

Police attempted to flag Jackson down on many occasions during the chase, but he continued on and ran multiple red lights, then nearly drove through a bus stop before he stopped outside of a friend's house in Newport Beach. Following a 72-hour detention for a mental evaluation, Jackson was set free.

Originally facing up to three years in prison, Jackson's guilty plea will see the potential jail time cut down dramatically, but the aftermath of the July incident will likely be felt for some time to come.