Shocked’ Jones defends herself

Releasing a statement through her new attorney, Howard Jacobs, who has represented many athletes in doping cases; Marion Jones expressed her upset on her positive drug test saying that she was startled by the result and wants the second sample to be examined quickly.

“I was shocked when I was informed about the positive ‘A’ sample,” Jones said. “I have requested that the testing of my ‘B’ sample be expedited and done as soon as possible.”
She added, “I will have no further comment until the results of the 'B' sample are released.”

The five-time Olympic medalist and four time world champion tested positive for the banned endurance enhancer EPO on the 23rd of June at the U.S. Track & Field Championships in Indianapolis, where she won the 100 meters, which was her 14th national title.

The 30-year-old sprinter will have to stay away from the sport for a minimum of two years as of a ban that will be imposed on her in case she tests positive for sample ‘B.’

Having been under doping suspicions for long, Jones intensely has denied using performance-enhancing substances. She withdrew from a meet in Zurich, Switzerland, on Friday, shortly before the positive test came to light.

Not convinced with the defendant Ann Killion writes, “Marion Jones is shocked. Shocked and appalled. And we, her once-adoring public, can only yawn; roll our eyes and say, ‘Yeah, yeah’.”

Steve Riddick, Jones’ coach said that he believed Jones was the victim of sabotage and the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency is out to get her. Why? Because he says, “she has been under doping allegations for the past three years.” Now this statement rather seems vain.

Jones probably realized that Riddick's drivel is only making things worse when she stated, “I would like to note that only my lawyers have the authority to speak on my behalf in this matter.”

Dick Pound, chairman of the world Anti-Doping confirmed that the tests for EPO have improved considerably recently. “Up until 2000, we didn’t even have a test, much less a reliable one,” he said in a telephone interview.

Talking of the suspicions surrounding Jones he said, “If it’s all wrong, it’s really unfortunate.”