Marion Jones is sentenced

Sports

Jones was sentenced Friday to six months in prison for lying about using steroids and a check-fraud scam, despite beseeching the judge that she not be separated from her two young children "even for a short period of time."

Marion Jones of the United States celebrates as she crosses the finish line to win the gold medal in the 100 meters at the Olympics in Sydney, Australia, in this Sept. 23, 2000 file photo.

Marion Jones (center), a three-time Olympic track and field gold medalist who was later stripped of her medals, leaves following her sentencing. Jones, the record-breaking sprinter who tearfully confessed she used steroids after years of public denial, was sentenced to six months in prison for lying in two federal grand jury investigations.

Marion Jones speaks to reporters after her sentencing. "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."

Former Olympic champion Marion Jones holds her head as she leaves federal court in White Plains, N.Y. with her husband, Obadele Thompson, on Friday.

Jones returned her Olympic medals - golds in the 100 meters, 200 meters and 1,600-meter relay and bronzes in the long jump and 400-meter relay - even before the International Olympic Committee ordered her to do so and wiped her results from the books. Marion Jones holds up her five Olympic medals for track and field events in central Sydney, Australia, in this Oct. 1, 2000 file photo.

Marion Jones leaves court with her husband, Obadele Thompson, leaving the courthouse. "I ask you to be as merciful as a human being can be," said Jones, who cried on her husband's shoulder after she was sentenced.

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Jones was sentenced Friday to six months in prison for lying about using steroids and a check-fraud scam, despite beseeching the judge that she not be separated from her two young children "even for a short period of time."

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