If you've been following the career of Marion Jones, the owner of three Olympic golds and two bronze medals, then this is definitely some disappointing news. MSNBC reports that Jones came clean Friday and admitted she used steroids. She pleaded guilty to lying to federal investigators when she denied using performance-enhancing drugs, then announced her retirement in a tearful apology outside the U.S. District Court. She was sentenced to six months in jail for the crime.

“It’s with a great amount of shame that I stand before you and tell you that I have betrayed your trust,” Jones said, her voice cracking as her mother stood behind her, a strong and supportive hand on her shoulder.

“I have been dishonest and you have the right to be angry with me. I have let (my family) down. I have let my country down, and I have let myself down,” she said, pausing frequently to regain her composure. “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.”

The calm strength she’d displayed in the courtroom was gone, washed away by a flood of tears. She embraced her mother, who told her daughter, “Good job.” The two then climbed into a black limousine with one of Jones’ attorneys and drove away, not taking any questions.

We know cheating is wrong, but why does it feel like only black athletes get thrown under the bus when they're caught doing it? Hmmm...

via MSNBC.com

Labels: MEDIA