Former UFC light heavyweight champion Quinton “Rampage” Jackson had his long-awaited day in court today, dealing with legal troubles stemming from his July 15 arrest in Costa Mesa City, Calif., according to the Orange County Register.
The Memphis, Tenn., native changed his plea on two of those charges — one misdemeanor count of reckless driving and one felony count of evading a peace officer and driving against traffic — to guilty.
Under the plea arrangement, the state attorney’s office has agreed to the following terms, according to Jackson’s attorney, Carol Lavacot:
“Today, Quinton entered into a plea agreement that was fashioned to place more time between the instance and the resolution. The agreement is analogous to a deferred entry of judgment in that the plea to count two, evading a peace officer and driving against traffic, will be withdrawn and dismissed at the end of one year if Quinton’s doctors are assured that he has maintained good physical and mental health and he has complied with the other terms of the agreement. He will be seeing his doctor’s regularly with bimonthly reports provided to the district attorney. He will also perform 200 hours of community service, which will be designed to reach as many young people as possible.”
This is good news for Rampage and his fans. It appears that as long as he keeps his nose clean for the next year or so he should make it out of this mess without doing any jail time.
In the meantime, he can now focus full-time on preparing for his next battle inside the Octagon, which will more than likely be an opportunity to reclaim his 205-pound title from Rashad Evans sometime in the first half of 2009.
Jackson is coming off a sensational first round knockout of arch nemesis Wanderlei Silva at UFC 92: “The Ultimate 2008″ on Dec. 27, avenging two brutal losses under the Pride FC banner with one looping left hook.
After losing his title to Forrest Griffin in a controversial split decision at UFC 86 in July 2007, Jackson had a bout with “delerium,” which led to his troubles outside the eight-sided cage.
He didn’t eat or sleep for days and relied on energy drinks as his sustenance. Things didn’t work out too well as a result. In fact, the long strange taurine-induced trip ended with him leading the police on a chase down a busy southern California street, breaking several traffic laws and even hitting a pregnant pedestrian’s car along the way.
In late August, Rampage plead not guilty to one felony count of evading while driving recklessly, one felony count of evading a peace officer and driving against traffic, three misdemeanor counts of hit and run with property damage, and one misdemeanor count of reckless driving.
That’s apparently now all in the rear view mirror if he can remain on the straight and narrow. It’s a heck of a way for him to ring in the New Year — big win for him.
60 Comments »
good for Rampage
WOW, america’s judicial system at it’s best!
This is complete BS!!!!! If oyu do the crime, do the time… I’m sick of “celebs” getting off with a slap on the wrist!!
NICE!!! CONGRATULATIONS RAMPAGE!!! And for all you haters out there, I hope people with judgemental attitudes like yours arent ever deciding your future should you falter in any way. I’ve seen a lot in my life and that includes good people from all walks making mistakes. Some have gotten off and some have gotten buried literally or legally because someone wanted to make examples of them…unjustly so.
Some of you talk a tough one when its someone else’s life you’re dissecting but as soon as you end up on the chopping block you’re begging for mercy and spouting every excuse in the book. I’ve seen you so called tough guys with all your boasting and strong talk buckle and cower when things stop working in your favor. Like you’d ever stand in front of a judge (literally or figuratively) with your future on the line and beg them to purposefully throw the book at you and make you an example to all of what not to do……..Laughable.
Get over yourself mate. He is getting what he deserve and should complete his terms, and some. You throw some pretty big accusations/advice out there … so since you felt obliged to give everyone, who you do not know, advice … he is mine to you … SHUT THE F**K UP!
From day one, I told all the Page haters that he wasnt going to serve a single day of jail time. Hate to say it, but TOLD U SO…kEVIN! lol
This is a great thing, now we can proceed to the fight everyone wants to see: Rampage vs. Rashad!
Seriously Is there doubt in anyone’s mind that Rampage wont get his title back in 2009? its a LOCK!!!
***ALSO***
Dana White said the ppv #’s for UFC 92 destroyed the numbers for Couture vs. Lesnar!
Dana White said that UFC 92 shatterd ppv buys records.
UFC 92 is said to have sold 150,000-175,000 more ppv’s then Couture vs. Lesnar! Those are some astounishing figures and it shows that the UFC is continuing to GROW!!!
“If you Build it (a stacked card), the (ppv) buys will come”!
You did tell me so John, not that I agree with it! A drunk driver that hits numerous cars and drives on sidewalks is 100% going to jail! A guy “high” on red bulls and claiming delirium gets community service…makes sense to me! to quote a guy on here from yesterday (John)
ONLY IN AMERICA.
hopefully he saved his buddy and lays off the red bull, and stops talking to god and gets some sleep, then all the roads will be safe!
congrats rampage!
just remember kevin if you ever get busted use the rampage defense you where high on red bulls and had delirium.
Plus the money helps. If I did the exact same thing Rampage did, I would expect to serve time ( not that I would ask to, or expect anyone else to ask for a harsh sentence as machine implied). A good expensive lawyer always helps. Congrats to Rampage, hope the mental health therapy doesn’t turn him into some “My daddy didn’t hug me” sissy guy. I expect to see him reclaim the title soon.
You expect to see him reclaim the title soon… LOL you must be high on redbulls yourself. Rampage is no champion period
Except the UFC Light Heavyweight Champion just this past year. And probably the 2009 champion too. If you think this is far fetched…LOL YOU must be high on something.
Ok, some of you. This isn’t all about hating Rampage. Not a bit. I realize good people make bad mistakes/idiotic and moronic/foolish/borderline retarded mistakes. Made a few of all of those myself. The only reason I find this to possibly be ridiculous (depending on the outcome, of course)? Is that MANY people, including myself, have done things not near the level of this, and gotten FAR, FAR worse punishment.
roy, YOU ARE CORRECT!!! Why? B/c, now there is precidence!!!lol
Relax “DownUnder”, that’s his opinion and this is what these posts are all about. No need to be rude. Besides, I see people agreeing with “Machine” (see further down) and no one agreeing with you… you’re in the minority buddy so maybe you should keep some of your BS to yourself!
John, really this is a great thing because now we get to see a good fight????? WOW, get your priorities in order, this si WAY bigger than MMA. This is real life pal. He committed a crime and should pay the price.
Machine… I have no doubt that good people make mistakes. I’m not saying give him the death penalty or life in prison, but he did something wrong and needs to pay for it… bottom line.
JS - I agreed with his sentencing mate … if I am in the minority for wanting him to be punished for his crime, great … it seems to be the thing to do these days to get what you are after. In terms of being rude, Machine went of his chop before most had responded … like you say, opinions are what these posts are about … you read mine. End of the day if you are in the U.S and being tried, it’s best to be a celeb … you will never get time.
Great Post Machine! I totally agree!
Rampage is going to get his belt back if he fights Rashad. The only problem for him is Shogun is back and this time 100% I think Shogun will have that belt for awhile and that’s why Wandy is going to 185
Machine - Well Said!
who would be interested in a mark coleman vs. randy couture fight. these 2 should’ve went at it 10 yrs. ago. it’s never too late, they’re about the same age so no one would be at a disadvantage
I didn’t see anything there that his license was suspended. Look out everbody…
Hide anything that can put him into a self induced delirium.
LMAO. Have a good weekend maniacs!!!
I’m glad he will have to pay restitution. I hope they will be able to sue him in civil court as well.
I’m sure he’ll be dealing with at least one civil suite.
Why do you hope they can sue him? This is garbage. Big difference between this Quinton and Josh Neer. He was contrite and willing to take responsibility. Mex - I appreciate and look forward to your contributions to this site but, man, you need to look into a concept called projection. I know you have had some tough times with similar scenarios, Quinton is not perfect, but Quinton did everything that you have been complaining about - he apologized, he is paying restitution, and seems to realize the gravity of actions. Dude - let it go, accept the shame of your scenario and stop holding others responsible for your emotional bagage.
Peace Bro
dosn’t matter what the reasons for him doing this or if he is truly sorry he can still be sued.
Yeah, I understand, but to hope that another endures misfortune is another thing all together.
i think misfortune is when a pregnant lady gets hit by fucking monster truck. rampage is not getting his just desserts for recklessly breaking the law. i agree with mexi that he AT LEAST should be squeezed for every penny possible through restitution and civil suits. cocky bastard had enough to throw around the club, he can pay a little to the lives he endangered.
awesome that rampage got his sentence suited to him but would a different dude in the same situation get the same deal if he was just an average joe?
I was going to say the same thing. I like Page, but he endangered a lot of lives and evaded the police on multiple occasions. If I did the same thing, I would’ve been locked up for a few months at least.
he had his daddy Dana to bail him out.
Pretty sure he could afford to bail himself out with the money he’s making…
For real. I don’t mind though because he needs to beat down Evan’s cocky ass. I still don’t know if he is smart enough to drop Machida though.
probably not. not because they’re an “average joe” but because they can’t afford as good of lawyers as rampage and the ufc can.
come on man, you already know the answer to that…..NO! The benefits of stardom bro!
I call BS on this whole he got off easy because he’s a celebrity crap. He got a good plea becasue he hired a lawyer, but if any of yall hired a lawyer and had no prior arrests and were under the same circumstances I don’t think it’s too far fetched you’d receive a plea bargain from the DA. They aren’t uncommon people. If he doesn’t complete the terms he’ll be punished just like anyone else.
Now if he got off completley or if he got this sentence without a one year prohbation then I’d understand all the whining.
well you can’t afford the same
lawyers he can
Think Neer will get the same end result? haha
They should throw him and Josh Neer in a jail cell together. Who ever comes out alive gets their UFC contract back!
That’s a little harsh. Maybe keep the one who keeps his butthole intact.
Throw Plaxico Burress in there too!!
Keeps his butthole intact??? Either way, Rampage wins. Might as well make it a deathmatch instead of individually checking each guys butthole and seeing if its still there or not. Haha!
just be glad he got off light, if they trew the book at him, we would have to hear the whole if he was white thing. the important lesson here is, it’s not color of your skin but how much money do you have. God bless our legal system.
The majro difference from this and other cases is no drugs or alcohol and the delerium. They day after he was released his friends called the cops saying he needed help and they took him to a medical facility for his own health not back to jail for breaking his bail. That entire hospitalization indecent showed eh was going to get a plea deal with community service of some type. he wasn’t in his right mind and no drugs or alcohol gets you community service pay for damages caused and don’t screw up anymore
Big surprise.
Yeah… we all knew how this would play out.
Hopefully Rampage can get through all of this trouble, he is a fighter I would pay to watch.
Rob Dib
http://www.break-your-face.com
Add the fact that if Rampage talks to others about helping themselves it will influence them a hell of alot more then some “average Joe” For the record Neer? C’mon in a cell with Page he would die!
It was the Pepsi not the Red Bull…….Case Dissmissed
The rich and famous does get special treatment from the US judicial system, its pretty much known worldwide.
Then add to that that as a minority, you can always play the race card which will scare most people away.
I knew the second i read about his arrest that he wouldnt spend a second in jail, however if it was a fighter like say, Paul kelly or any less known fighter or you or me we would certainly spend time behind bars.
so the 75% or so of minorities in jail shoulda played that same race card?
The rich and famous does get special treatment from the US judicial system, its pretty much known worldwide.
Then add to that that as a minorÃty, you can always play the ráce card which will scare most people away.
I knew the second i read about his arrest that he wouldnt spend a second in jail, however if it was a fighter like say, Paul kelly or any less known fighter or you or me we would certainly spend time behind bars.
Hahahaha you’re funny Lester…so now minorities get off EASIER in the judicial system? And was there any mention of race ANYWHERE in this case? Puff puff pass man, quit bo-guardin that good.
yes now i dont have to worry about not seeing my fighter fight. now that the past is behind him time to get the belt.
put him in jail!
GO RAMPAGE , everyone learn from they own mistakes THIS IS A LESSON FOR RAMPAGE TO LEARN FOR. MEXI IM PERSONLY SICK OF YOU HATRED AGAIN RAMPAGE , im sick of you BS IM JUST WANT TO BEAT THE SHIT OUT YOU YOU SOB
2009 LHW = QUINTON RAMPAGE JACKSON
HEY JOHN I DONT KNOW YOU BRO BUT GOT MY RESPECT
Another black athlete gets a pass. One law for us peons and another law for the rich and famous. BULLSHIT!!!