Categories: Sports

I’m sure by now you’ve heard of Marion Jones’ tearful admission of drug use. It was truly painful to watch. The woman simply broke down, baring her soul to the world, with absolutely no regard for self, asking for nothing more than for forgiveness. I must admit that I respect her for finding the strength to come forward and tell the truth. But that’s all the respect I have for her. I always suspected her of doing drugs. In fact, I tend to suspect most champion American athletes, because they tend to be the most frequent abusers. Seems like morality is thrown out the window once fame, wealth, glory and all the other perks of being a champion are within their grasp.

She has been accused a few times, but she’s always denied it, and managed to walk away clean every time. Now her sins have come back to haunt her. She been banned for two years and asked to relinquish the five gold medals she won in the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Several athletes are not satisfied with this ruling and are calling for her head, angry that Marion stole their glory. I agree with them. She should at least get a five-year ban. But, try as I might, I can’t find the heart to condemn her too harshly. I suppose it’s that same Marion Jones charisma working on me. The same charisma that spared her suspicion years ago and probably resulted in a lighter sentenced via her emotional confession.

But that’s not all. I’ve read an article that says that Marion is flat broke. Her net worth is about $2,000, a far cry from when she owned a $2.5 million dollar mansion. Sad to see Marion’s fall from grace, a woman once regarded as the queen of the track now just another doping statistic. I doubt Marion will return to her former glory. She’s done far too much damage to her once good name and track and field as a whole. So, kids, (even though it might seem cliche), don’t do drugs.