Probation is all Quinton Jackson gets for his vehicular rampage

speeds · Jan 8, 2010

Remember this?

No biggie, apparently.

http://www.ocregister.com/news/jackson-227654-down-newport.html

SANTA ANA – Ultimate Fighting Championship brawler Quinton "Rampage" Jackson said today that he was relieved and grateful today after an Orange County judge struck down his felony conviction of evading police in a high-speed chase through Newport Beach in July 2008.

Jackson, a former UFC champion and one of its brightest stars, was instead placed on three years probation for misdemeanor reckless driving because he has successfully completed more than 200 hours of community service.

In an interview with the Register later, Jackson said he was confident that he will never be in trouble with the law again.

"I will never see that judge in a courtroom again," Jackson said. "I don't see myself doing anything crazy again... I want to be a positive role model."

He said he was relieved that his court case came out the way it did, but more relieved that he didn't hurt anyone in the wild pursuit down busy Newport Boulevard on July 15, 2008 that left a wake of crumpled cars and scared pedestrians.

Jackson, 30, who is known by ultimate fighting fans for the huge chain he wears around his neck before bouts inside the UFC cage, acknowledged that he crashed into three vehicles and narrowly missing several pedestrians and bicyclists while leading a phalanx of police cars down Newport Boulevard.

During the chase, Jackson crossed over the center median in his lifted Ford 350 pickup truck, with his picture on the side, drove up onto a sidewalk, sending pedestrians leaping out of his way, raced down the wrong side of Newport Boulevard and ran through several red lights, all the while talking on his cell phone.

Jackson remembers very little about the incident, which he says was prompted by a depression that led to sleepless nights and days without eating.

He said he agreed with Judge Thomas Goethals that his life was somewhat out of control when he launched the wild drive down Newport Boulevard.

"I could have really hurt someone or hurt myself," he said. "I will never let something get me so down I would hurt myself or others."

Carol Lavacot, his attorney, who worked out the details of Jackson's guilty plea, said her client conducted seminars with young people and Marines to satisfy his requirement for community service.

She said that even though his court case is concluded, Jackson will continue to make similar efforts.

Goethals noted that Jackson had completed more than the minimum requirements of community service.

"You have done extraordinarily well on this case,' the judge said. "Congratulations."

Jackson said he plans to continue his UFC fighting career, and hopes to act in movies.

He said his first film, a re-make of the 70s action television series "The A-Team" is expected to be released in June. He plays "B.A. Baracus," the muscular tough guy who was afraid of flying -- the role made famous by Mr. T.

Jackson, who appeared in court with a Mohawk hairstyle — ala BA Baracus, because he still is shooting some scenes for the movie, said "it's going to be a great movie, (especially) for fans of the TV series."
Click to expand...

speeds · Jan 8, 2010

So apparently you can stay up for six days drinking energy drinks and talking to god, then jump in your monster truck and smash your way through town, police on your tail, eventually ending the chase when your tires burn off the wheels and you're forced out of the cab at gunpoint, and just get a few hours of community service (which you do anyway as a pro athlete) and a pat on the back from the judge for doing that well.

Sorry, I'm just going to go outside and airbrush my face on my truck, if you don't mind...

Mamba · Jan 8, 2010

Just as predictable as Dana's next rant about Fedor.

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Probation is all Quinton Jackson gets for his vehicular rampage

speeds $2.50 highball, $1.50 beer Staff Member Administrator GFX Team

speeds $2.50 highball, $1.50 beer Staff Member Administrator GFX Team

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Probation is all Quinton Jackson gets for his vehicular rampage

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speeds $2.50 highball, $1.50 beer Staff Member Administrator GFX Team

speeds $2.50 highball, $1.50 beer Staff Member Administrator GFX Team

Mamba The King is Back Staff Member Global Moderator

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