Marion Jones Sentenced To Prison

After admitting to using performance enhancing drugs, Track and Field star Marion Jones was sentenced on Friday to six months in prison for telling untruths about using steroids and a check fraud scam, but Jones doesn't want to be separated from her two young children.

"I ask you to be as merciful as a human being can be," said Jones. After being sentenced for six months, Jones cried on her husband's shoulder.

Jones was ordered to start her sentence on March 11. The U.S. District Judge Kenneth Karas mentioned he gave Jones the maximum under the plea deal, because he wants to send a message to athletes that used performance enhancing drugs, and never saw the importance of hard work.

"Athletes in society have an elevated status, they entertain, they inspire, and perhaps, most important, they serve as role models," Karas said.

On Friday Karas was to sentence Jones former coach Steve Riddick whom was a Olympic Champion, because he was involved in the check fraud scam as well.

Serving six months in prison wasn't enough because Jones was given two years of probation, Jones will be recommended to preform 800 hours of community service. Jones said she's disappointed in herself, and wants to do the right thing. "As everyone can imagine, I'm very disappointed today," Jones told reporters after sentencing. "But as I stood in front of all of you for years in victory, I stand in front of you today. I stand for what is right."

Jones continued saying she respects the Judges order, and learning from the past is something athletes should take notices of. "I respect the judge's order, and I truly hope that people will learn from my mistakes," said Jones.

The Judges believes her community service will take advantages of how she'll work with children. Jones didn't want to be sent to prison, because her family was important. Jones has three children including a newborn which she's nursing.

"My passion in life has always been my family," Jones said. "I know the day is quickly approaching when my boys ask me about these current events. I intend to be honest and forthright ... and guide them into not making the same mistakes."

Jones denied using performance enhancing drugs for a while, but later admitted she took steroids without a doctors perceptions. She admitted using "the clear" from September 2000 to July 2001. "The clear" which is a steroids, has been linked to BALCO. Jones had also lied about Tim Montgomery involvement in stolen money whom is the father of her two older children.

"The revelation that one of the sport's biggest stars took performance-enhancing drugs and repeatedly lied about it, in addition to being a party to fraud, has no silver lining," CEO Craig Masback and USA Track & Field president Bill Roe mentioned. "But, it is a vivid morality play that graphically illustrates the wages of cheating in any facet of life, on or off the track."

When admitting she used steroids, Jones held a press conferences and apologized emotionally. "It's with a great amount of shame that I stand before you and tell you that I have betrayed your trust," said Jones. "I have been dishonest, and you have the right to be angry with me. "I have let (my family) down. I have let my country down, and I have let myself down. ... I want to ask for your forgiveness for my actions, and I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me."

Victor Conte served months in prison, because he provided athletes including Jones with performance enhacing drugs. Conte is upset Jones was sentenced, and feels sad for her family.

"Marion did make some very poor choices, and she does deserve serious consequences. I certainly don't condone her repeated lies," Conte mentioned. "There is no doubt in my mind that she has learned gigantic lessons. Hopefully, she will be able to serve as an example and help others to make good decisions."