My thoughts on…the fall of Marion Jones
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.
I couldn’t have said it any better Leon. It was hard to watch. Some say you get what you deserve…I won’t judge. I think I feel it more for her family though.
excellent post
I always thought she was a beautiful woman but always had it in the back of my head that something wasn’t right about those masculine times
Yep, she’s got that cute Archie Andrews comic-book smile (that now seems like it was just a cocky smirk), that pixie nose (that now seems like it was just a haughty upturn), those guileless lil eyes that now seem juST PLAIN BEADY. I’m pissed at mi-self for havin’ been so taken in by her — how many times mi used to “swear fi har” when anyone dared to doubt her. Anyway, she’s only human like all de rest ov us.
Respect her my foot…….the walls were closing in on her, she had no choice…probably did it to get a reduced jail time…..
She deserves no respect whatsoever. The Feds had her ass and she plea bargained. Cheaters never win.
Oooh, Mar, I never knew you could be that harsh
It couldn’t have been easy for her to come forward like that. Unfortunately, she has reaped what she sowed.
i hope asafa clean as a whistle cuz him cudnt cum bak a jamaica… unless is in a barrel
I’m sorry world. I didnt mean to shoot up and win all those medals.. or anything.. i’m truely sorry.
stay in schools and dont do drugs kids.
NOT!!!!!!!!!!!! a respect, please, her arms were twisted big time for her to come out all they did was offer her a dignified way to do so, so that it wouldn’t look too bad on her…. the FBI have a bigger fish to FRY!!! he is a Jamaican and he use to be her coach, hope they catch him too… don’t believe watch how much time she’ll do for what should be a 10 yr stretch.
I am not overly critical of any of them. It not right but I understand why they will shoot up cos it’s all in the name of money and more money
Respect what! No respect for nuh druggist! She only admitted to it because she was boxed in a corner. She should go to jail!
Mind how di pot cussing di kettle
I can’t be too hard on her. She was young when she started out and if you think about it–there’s only so fast a human being can go. If you want to stand out and that’s all that matters to you, it’s easy to fall into bad/wrong choices.
But where did all her money go I ask? Do you think perhaps a Cayman bank account? I could see an incentive for tying up all my funds in quiet investments if I knew the feds were breathing down my shoulder.
Also, I’m tired of all the apologizing going around. If you were really that sorry, you never would have done it. So just admit your guilt and take your lumps.
I more upset that she’s broke…
if your going to cheat, at least make sure you keep the money..
I felt that her apology was insincere. She’s only apologizing cause she got caught. If she would have fessed up in the beginning, I would have accepted it. Athletes only do steriods to win at any cost and that’s pretty shameful.
Maritza, I concur with your sentiments regarding Marion Jones and athletes in general.