Jones Says She Is Shocked by Her Positive Drug Test
By LYNN ZINSER
Marion Jones issued a statement yesterday about her positive drug test, saying little more than how surprised she was.
Jones had not made any public comment since receiving word Friday that the blood-booster EPO had been found in the primary sample, or A sample, of her urine test from the United States championships June 23. She won the 100 meters that day.
If her backup sample, or B sample, also tests positive, Jones faces a two-year suspension.
I was shocked when I was informed about the positive A sample, Jones said in her statement, which was released by her lawyer, Howard Jacobs, via e-mail. I have requested that the testing of my B sample be expedited.
Jacobs said that he expected the B sample to be tested in early September, and that Jones would not comment again until those results became available. He said he had spoken with Jones but had not discussed any reasons for the positive test.
In her statement, Jones seemed to distance herself from comments by her coach, Steve Riddick, who has said Jones is innocent and is being singled out by the drug-testing agencies. She said that only my lawyers have the authority to speak on my behalf in this matter.
Jacobs has defended other athletes accused of using performance-enhancing drugs, including Floyd Landis, whose positive test for testosterone could make him the first person ever stripped of the Tour de France title; the cyclist Tyler Hamilton, who is serving a two-year suspension for blood doping; and the skeleton racer Zach Lund, who was barred for a year after testing positive for an antibaldness drug that can also be used to mask steroids.
Jacobs represented the sprinter Tim Montgomery in the Bay Area Laboratory Co-Operative investigation. Montgomery, Joness former companion and the father of her son, was barred for two years based on testimony in the Balco case.
By LYNN ZINSER
Marion Jones issued a statement yesterday about her positive drug test, saying little more than how surprised she was.
Jones had not made any public comment since receiving word Friday that the blood-booster EPO had been found in the primary sample, or A sample, of her urine test from the United States championships June 23. She won the 100 meters that day.
If her backup sample, or B sample, also tests positive, Jones faces a two-year suspension.
I was shocked when I was informed about the positive A sample, Jones said in her statement, which was released by her lawyer, Howard Jacobs, via e-mail. I have requested that the testing of my B sample be expedited.
Jacobs said that he expected the B sample to be tested in early September, and that Jones would not comment again until those results became available. He said he had spoken with Jones but had not discussed any reasons for the positive test.
In her statement, Jones seemed to distance herself from comments by her coach, Steve Riddick, who has said Jones is innocent and is being singled out by the drug-testing agencies. She said that only my lawyers have the authority to speak on my behalf in this matter.
Jacobs has defended other athletes accused of using performance-enhancing drugs, including Floyd Landis, whose positive test for testosterone could make him the first person ever stripped of the Tour de France title; the cyclist Tyler Hamilton, who is serving a two-year suspension for blood doping; and the skeleton racer Zach Lund, who was barred for a year after testing positive for an antibaldness drug that can also be used to mask steroids.
Jacobs represented the sprinter Tim Montgomery in the Bay Area Laboratory Co-Operative investigation. Montgomery, Joness former companion and the father of her son, was barred for two years based on testimony in the Balco case.
