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NORTH CAROLINA - Sprinter Marion Jones has accepted a two-year ban after admitting to the use of a prohibited substance and has relinquished her five Olympic medals, the US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) said yesterday.
After years of denial, Jones told a US court on Friday that she had taken the banned substance known as "clear" from September 2000 through to July 2001 in violation of the rules of the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) and USADA.
Jones is also disqualified from all competitive results subsequent to September 1, 2000, and must forfeit all medals, results, points and prizes from that date, the anti-doping agency said.
Her lawyer, Henry DeDippo, confirmed she had already returned the five Olympic medals. Jones, who announced her retirement on Friday, won three gold medals in the 100 and 200 metres and 4x400 metres relay and bronzes in the 4x100 metres relay and long jump at the Sydney Games.
"She apologises to her competitors and hopes the record books will be amended to accurately reflect their achievements," a source close to Jones who did not wish to be identified said.
According to Department of Justice authorities, Jones denied taking performance-enhancing drugs. Officials said she made other false statements during their investigation into the activities of the Bay Area Laboratory Cooperative (Balco) and to federal agents investigating a money laundering scheme.
Tygart said their efforts were greatly appreciated because of the "steadfast commitment to exposing the truth of the Balco conspiracy and their willingness to partner with USADA to hold accountable those who cheat their fellow competitors and sports fans".
- REUTERS
