The Washington Post reported on Thursday afternoon that former UNC Tar Heel Marion Jones has admitted to using steroids prior to the 2000 Olympics in Sydney. According to the Post, Jones started using the performance enhancing “clear” for two years starting in 1999. Jones says that she was given the substance by her former coach and was told that it was flaxseed oil.
Jones admission came in a letter she recently wrote to her family and friends. Jones also said she will plead guilty tomorrow in a New York court to two counts of lying to federal agents about her drug use and an unrelated financial matter. The outcome of this could be costly for Jones with the charges carrying significant jail time and then there is the matter of the hardware she took home from Sydney in 2000. The admission could cost Jones the five medals she won at the Olympics.
Either way, Jones’ reputation has taken a serious hit and it is doubtful she will be able to restore her tarnished image and good name.
Chan Harrison and the Associated Press contributed to this story.