Marion Jones Fails Drug Test For Endurance Booster EPO

Jones Tests Positive For EPO At June Race

U.S. sprinter Marion Jones “failed a drug test” at the U.S. Track & Field championships in June, according to sources cited by Amy Shipley of the WASHINGTON POST. The substance “for which Jones tested positive is [EPO].” The results “have not been made public because the testing on Jones’ urine sample has not been completed.” If her “B” sample also tests positive, she would face a two-year ban (WASHINGTON POST, 8/19). A source said that the “B” sample is scheduled to be tested September 6 (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 8/19). Organizers of the Weltklasse Golden League meet in Zurich said that Jones left there on Friday “after receiving a late-night telephone call” from the U.S. IAAF rules state that the federation “is to be notified after the A sample comes up positive and that the athlete should not be allowed to compete until the case is settled.” But IAAF General Secretary Pierre Weiss said, “Even if we do have a possible case, we would not have a statement until after the B sample is tested.” USADA, the USATF and USOC all refused comment. In N.Y., Lynn Zinser noted Jones has been “dogged by speculation about drug use for several years, but she had never tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs and had repeatedly denied using them” (N.Y. TIMES, 8/19).

DEFENSE MECHANISM: Jones’ coach, Steve Riddick, said that Jones “might have been targeted by” USADA. Riddick: “She has always had a cloud over her head. It was like rubbing it in USADA’s face when she competed well.” USADA declined to comment. Riddick also said that “meet directors and/or shoe companies didn’t want Jones’ comeback to succeed because of financial concerns.” Riddick: “They’ve got to get rid of her before she goes to [the ’08 Beijing Olympics]. ... It would cost them a fortune” (SAN JOSE MERCURY NEWS, 8/20).