Pacman Jones Suffers Neck Injury First Game Back From Suspension, Career in Jeopardy

Well, that didn't take long. "Adam" Pacman Jones played in the first six games of the season, got into a fight with his bodyguard at a Dallas hotel, Commissar Goodell promptly suspended him indefinitely, and after a 30-day stint in rehab, and seven weeks after stepping foot on the field, Jones resumed his NFL career last Sunday in Pittsburgh. He played surprisingly well in the secondary, but was a non-factor in the return game.

And now we learn that Jones injured his neck against the Steelers and won't be available against the Giants this Sunday night. Which means that owner Jerry Jones is furiously writing up a press release calling Mr. Pacman "soft" and claiming that he's shocked to learn that "Adam can't go this week," so on and so forth.

The Dallas Morning News reports that depending on the test results, Jones could miss the rest of the season. All told, not much of a comeback for the Titans 2005 first-round pick who spent 2007 out of football for various off-field transgressions.

Still, given that Jones is only 25 years old and has the potential to be a shutdown cornerback and dangerous return man, Jerry will almost certainly continue to be interested. Because after all, what would Valley Ranch be without all the manufactured drama?

UPDATE: NFL.com's Adam Schefter reports that not only is Pacman in danger of missing the rest of the season, his career could be in jeopardy. "When Jones suffered the injury Sunday, his body went numb for two full minutes. Jones spent the early part of this week visiting with neck specialists, who are sending him on to more neck specialists."

More Trouble for Pacman'?

In his first game back from serving a suspension, Adam "Pacman" Jones suffered a neck injury that likely ends his season, and could end his career. The news was the latest blip in the NFL star's tumultuous career.

Al Messerschmidt, Getty Images

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell suspended Adam "Pacman" Jones earlier this season for violating the league's personal conduct policy. According to Dallas police, the Cowboys cornerback was involved in a fight with one of his bodyguards.

Tony Gutierrez, AP

Jones, left, who was traded to the Cowboys on April 23 in exchange for a fourth-round draft pick, signed a four-year contract with the team that included no signing bonus. Jones was reinstated by the league on Aug. 28 and has been a productive player for the Cowboys this season.

Ron Jenkins, Fort Worth Star-Telegram / MCT

Jones' penchant for misconduct has surpassed his abilities on the field thus far in his short NFL career. Before the latest incident, Jones was arrested six times and involved in a dozen incidents requiring police intervention since the Titans drafted him in the first round in 2005. Goodell suspended Jones in April 2007 after an accumulation of legal problems.

John Russell, AP

While serving his suspension in 2007, Jones signed a contact with Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA), but was told his participation must be a non-physical role only. He was placed into a tag team known as 'Team Pacman' with Ron "The Truth" Killings and the duo actually held the TNA World Tag Team Championship during Jones' short stay.

Lee South, TNA Wrestling

Jones' most notorious run-in with the law occurred in Feb. 2007 during a raucous NBA All-Star weekend. Las Vegas police said Jones incited a fight at the Minxx Gentlemen's Club in Las Vegas that preceded a triple shooting. He pleaded no contest in Dec. 2007 to a disorderly conduct charge, agreeing to a year probation, random drug testing, community service and anger management classes.

Club bouncer Tommy Urbanski was paralyzed by a gunshot in the Las Vegas strip club melee. The former pro wrestler blames Jones and his entourage for the incident. The total tab for Urbanski's rehab is expected to cost millions of dollars.

Ed Andrieski, AP

Jones got off to a delayed start in the NFL when he missed all but three days of training camp due to contract negotiations. After Jones had signed his deal with the Titans, he donated money to the 100 Club, a charity that financially supports the families of firefighters, police, and emergency workers.

John Russell, AP

Jones made an impact on the field almost immediately for Tennessee. During his rookie season, he accounted for 44 tackles and 10 pass deflections. On special teams, Jones totaled 1,399 return yards.

Rex Brown, WireImage.com

In an interview on the Dan Patrick radio show, Titans coach Jeff Fisher seemed to defend his former player despite his troubles. "He's a very good teammate," Fisher said when asked if 'Pacman' is a bad kid. "He's a very good locker room guy. He just has made a number of bad decisions outside the building."

Mark Humphrey, AP