Gold medal winning athlete in drugs shocker...

Track star Marion Jones pleads guilty to lying to federal investigators about steroid use

By JIM FITZGERALD, Associated Press Writer
October 5, 2007

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. (AP) -- For years, Marion Jones angrily denied using steroids. On Friday, she admitted it was all a lie.

The three-time Olympic gold medalist pleaded guilty to lying to federal investigators when she denied using performance-enhancing drugs, and announced her retirement after the hearing. Jones also pleaded guilty to a second count of lying to investigators about her association with a check-fraud scheme.

Outside the courthouse, Jones broke down in tears as she apologized for her actions, saying she fully understands she has disappointed her friends, family and supporters.

"I have let them down. I have let my country down, and I have let myself down," she said. "It is with a great amount of shame that I stand before you and tell you I have betrayed your trust.

"I recognize that by saying I'm deeply sorry, it might not be enough and sufficient to address the pain and hurt that I've caused you. Therefore, I want to ask for your forgiveness for my actions, and I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me."

In court, Jones, seated at the defense table and speaking in a clear voice through a microphone, said she lied to a federal investigator in November 2003 when he asked if she had used performance-enhancing drugs.

"I answered that I had not. This was a lie, your honor," she said.

Jones said she took steroids from September 2000 to July 2001 and said she was told by her then-coach Trevor Graham that she was taking flaxseed oil when it was actually "the clear."

"By November 2003, I realized he was giving me performance-enhancing drugs," she told the judge.

She said she "felt different, trained more intensely" and experienced "faster recovery and better times" while using the substance.

"He told me to put it under my tongue for a few seconds and swallow it," she said. "He told me not to tell anyone."

It was a stunning fall from grace for Jones, once the most celebrated female athlete in the world. She captivated the country with the audacious goal of winning five gold medals at the Sydney Olympics. Though she fell short -- three golds but two bronzes -- her charm and winsome smile made her a star.

Seven years later, she is broke, her reputation is ruined and she is looking at prison time. Prosecutors have suggested to Jones that the prison term will be a maximum of six months, although the judge has the discretion to change that. The maximum sentence on each count is five years and a $250,000 fine.

Jones was released on her own recognizance and was due back in court Jan. 11 for sentencing.

Zat wrote:So when will Barry Bonds come 'clean'?

PearlJ wrote:

Zat wrote:So when will Barry Bonds come 'clean'?

The same day Murali admits to chucking.

Zat wrote:

PearlJ wrote:

Zat wrote:So when will Barry Bonds come 'clean'?

The same day Murali admits to chucking.

Murali chucks? Really?

PearlJ wrote:

Zat wrote:So when will Barry Bonds come 'clean'?

The same day Murali admits to chucking.

PearlJ wrote:

Zat wrote:

PearlJ wrote:

Zat wrote:So when will Barry Bonds come 'clean'?

The same day Murali admits to chucking.

Murali chucks? Really?

You must find this out for yourself.

skully wrote:Fark, I'm sick of farkin cheats. No surprise at all about Jones. She used to accelerate away from the pack just as FloJo did. And this bull that she didn't know what her coach was giving her is such a pile of carp. And she didn't take anything beyond 2001? Bullcarp.

Strip the b!tch of all the gold medals she's won.

Zat wrote:

PearlJ wrote:

Zat wrote:

PearlJ wrote:

Zat wrote:So when will Barry Bonds come 'clean'?

The same day Murali admits to chucking.

Murali chucks? Really?

You must find this out for yourself.

That's very Zen. Or Yoda. Not sure which.

"He told me to put it under my tongue for a few seconds and swallow it," she said. "He told me not to tell anyone."

tac wrote:Jones has returned her olympic medals . . .

tac wrote:Jones has returned her olympic medals . . .

Ross wrote:

tac wrote:Jones has returned her olympic medals . . .

She's not the only one. Her relay teammates have been asked to as well.

tac wrote:
So do the weagles give back their winners medals from 2006 since Juddy tested positive?