Marion Jones Asks To Avoid Prison
This article is from the archive of The New York Sun before the launch of its new website in 2022. The Sun has neither altered nor updated such articles but will seek to correct any errors, mis-categorizations or other problems introduced during transfer.
WHITE PLAINS – Former Olympic champion Marion Jones says she has been punished enough and should not have to go to prison for lying about steroids and check fraud.
In court papers filed on New Year’s Eve, Ms. Jones’ lawyers ask a federal judge to let her off with probation when he sentences her next week.
“She has been cast from American hero to national disgrace,” the memo says. “The public scorn, from a nation that once adored her, and her fall from grace have been severe punishments. … She has been stripped of her gold medals, her accomplishments, her wealth and her public standing.” Ms. Jones admitted in court in October that she lied to federal investigators.
Outside court, the former track and field star announced her retirement and said through tears, “It’s with a great amount of shame that I stand before you and tell you that I have betrayed your trust.”
Her five Olympic medals were taken from her on December 12. As part of the plea agreement, prosecutors suggested that she be sentenced to six months in prison at most.
