Marion Jones pleads guilty

UPDATE(10/8/07): Marion has accepted a two year ban and given up her 5 medals for doping. It is not clear where the medals are now.

Jones’ lawyer, Henry DePippo, said Monday that she had relinquished them, but declined to say who had possession of them. The normal protocol would be for Jones to give them to the
U.S. Olympic Committee, which then would return them to the International Olympic Committee, spokeswoman Giselle Davies said.

It also wasn’t immediately clear what will happen next. The IOC and other sports bodies can go back eight years to strip medals and nullify results. In Jones’ case, that would include the 2000 Olympics, where she won gold in the 100 meters, 200 meters and 1,600 relay and bronze in the long jump and 400relay. (SOURCE)

Three time Olympic gold medalist and Austin resident Marion Jones plead guilty to lying about taking dope. IN an open letter to her family and friends, Jones expressed deep regret and remorse for her actions.

"I want to apologize for all of this," the Post reported Jones saying in her letter, quoting a person who received a copy and read it to the paper. "I am sorry for disappointing you all in so many ways."

As of right now, she is facing up to six months in jail, three of which she will have to serve.

And to make matters worse, as if serving time is not bad, the International Olympic Committee is considering stripping Jones of her medals. Remember she was the most celebrated athlete in Sydney, winning five medals (three gold, 2 bronze).

It is unfortunate that she has to go through this. I wish she didn't lie about the doping. Hopefully, one person learned something from Marion's admission.