Marion Cleared
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The Island, Friday, 8th September, 2006 NEW YORK (AP) - The backup J. Hunter,and Bay Area Laboratory drug test for sprinter Marion Jones Co-operative founder Victor Conte came back negative, clearing the have accused her of using banned five-time Olympic medalist of dop- substances, allegations she has ing allegations that have dogged denied. her for the past month, her attor- Marion Her former coach, Trevor neys said Wednesday. Graham, has been linked to several “I am absolutely ecstatic,” athletes in trouble for doping, Jones said in a statement released including Justin Gatlin, who by her lawyers. “I have always recently tested positive for testos- maintained that I have never ever cleared: terone or other steroids and faces a taken performance enhancing possible eight-year ban. Last drugs, and I am pleased that a sci- December, the father of Jones’ son, entific process has now demon- sprinter Tim Montgomery, retired strated that fact.” after he was banned for two years Jones tested positive for the ‘B’ sample for doping violations - the result of banned endurance enhancer EPO information gathered in the on June 23. She withdrew from a BALCO probe. meet in Switzerland hours before But she always held firm to the reports of the test result were fact that no positive test had revealed. comes back ensnared her, a fact that stood in The backup, or ‘B,’ test, con- serious doubt less than a month ducted at the same University of ago. The result of this ‘B’ test, how- California, Los Angeles lab using ever, means that Jones is free to the same sample, came back nega- compete. tive, however, meaning the 30-year- negative Jacobs said it also places a bur- Marion Jones old sprinter has been cleared of den on sports federations and those any wrongdoing. She faced a mini- messages left late Wednesday by From what I saw on the ‘A’ sample, firmed. championships to go with her who administer the tests to make mum two-year ban. The Associated Press. U.S. Olympic it was questionable as to whether it “This is perfect illustration of Olympic medals, dominated track sure they’re doing a good job and “I am anxious to get back on Committee spokesman Darryl should’ve been called a positive. I why this new trend of leaking A- and field in the late 1990s. At the following protocol on releasing the track,” Jones said. Seibel said the federation had no can’t say I was shocked that the ‘B’ positives is a horrible thing,” Sydney Games, she became the results. The statement, released by comment on the news. came back negative based on what Jacobs said. “This whole thing first woman to win five Olympic “They need to look at their pro- attorney Rich Nichols, said the U.S. Questions have long been the ‘A’ looked like.” should have happened anonymous- medals - taking gold in the 100 cedures,” Jacobs said. “Not Anti-Doping Agency informed raised about the reliability of EPO As he has in the doping case ly. Marion should’ve been able to meters, 200 meters, 4x100-meter USADA so much as the sports fed- Jones that the test had come back testing, and this negative ‘B’ test involving Tour de France winner keep competing and no one should relay and bronze in the long jump erations” who leak the positive negative. USADA does not com- will spark further debate. Floyd Landis, Jacobs derided the have known about it.” and 4x400-meter relay. tests. ment on active cases and never “I believe there are issues with leaking of positive tests. Doping EPO is also known as Since then, her reputation has “They always talk about hold- acknowledged Jones’ positive ‘A’ that test,” said Howard Jacobs, cases aren’t supposed to be made Erythropoietin, a banned perform- been sullied. She is one of several ing athletes to the highest stan- test. another Jones attorney who has public until they are resolved, but ance-enhancer that can boost athletes who has testified to the fed- dards,” he said. “They need to fol- USADA general counsel Travis defended several athletes on dop- most become public through the endurance. eral grand jury investigating low their own rules. This kind of Tygart did not immediately return ing charges. “It’s a difficult test. media once a positive ‘A’ test is con- Jones, who has five world BALCO in 2003. Her ex-husband, C. call puts them on the carpet.” France avenge World Cup defeat France avenged their World Cup final defeat with a deserved victory over Italy in a Group B Euro 2008 qualifier, BBC Sport reported on Wednesday. Sidney Govou volleyed France ahead after 69 seconds before Thierry Henry’s shot from a tight angle deflected off Fabio Cannavaro and into the net. Italy hit back through Alberto Gilardino, who headed home an Andrea Pirlo free-kick. Govou superbly headed home France’s third, while Cannavaro and Franco Semioli went close for Italy. It was a scintillating game, brought to life by Govou’s technically brilliant strike as he wrapped his leg around a deep cross from William Gallas and struck the ball across Gianluigi Buffon. However, Italy may feel that Gallas should have been flagged offside when the ball was played through to him. The World Cup final in Berlin 58 days ear- lier culminated in a dramatic penalty shoot- out, but the match at the Stade de France was of much higher quality and entertain- ment value. France made most of the early running and new Italy coach Roberto Donadoni, who watched his team draw at NCC stalwarts Ranjan Madugalle (L) and Ranjit Fernando find time to home to Lithuania on Saturday, cut a frus- savour the funny side of life during a felicitation ceremony held at the trated figure as he watched from the side- club on Tuesday. Madugalle, who functions as chief ICC Match Referee, lines. is to chair the Inzamam-ul-Haq hearing, which arose as a result of Italy’s only early opportunity came through alleged ball tampering by Pakistan in the final cricket Test against Gianluca Zambrotta, who found himself in England. Sri Lanka cricketers Mahela Jayawardene, Kumar Sangakkara, space inside the France area but drilled his Sanath Jayasuriya, Upul Tharanga and former Sri Lanka and NCC cap- shot over the crossbar. Henry struck with a rebound after Buffon had saved Florent tain Hashan Tillekeratne were among those honoured at the felicitation Malouda’s low long-range strike. ceremony. (Pic by Nishan S. Priyantha) Buffon may well have saved Henry’s shot but was undone by the slight deflection off Cannavaro. King looks forward to tri-series The Italian keeper, though, made a good save to thwart Franck Ribery after Gilardino Bennett King, the West Indies and we need to build on that had pulled one back for Italy. coach, believes the DLF Cup learning experience to move for- And France keeper Gregory Coupet against India and Australia in ward.” showcased his skills with a brilliant goalline Malaysia provides ideal prepara- The tri-series also marks the clearance, palming the ball away at full tion for his side as they aim to beginning of a lengthy three-and- stretch after Semioli had connected with defend the ICC Champions a-half month tour of South Asia Fabio Grosso’s low cross. France scored the Trophy crown they won in and the subcontinent; after decisive goal after the break - with Govou England in 2004. Malaysia, West Indies will travel again vindicating his selection ahead of “This tri-series is a good lead to India for the Champions Louis Saha with a superb header from Willy in to the Champions Trophy pre- Trophy before hopping next door Sagnol’s cross. Govou sustained an injury liminary round, the quality of to Pakistan for a series of three for his troubles, clashing heads with opposition is the strongest in the Tests and five ODIs immediately Cannavaro after heading the ball. world so it is a good test against after.And King is looking forward The Lyon striker almost completed his the best,” King said shortly before eagerly to the sojourn. hat-trick with a low strike across goal but departure from the Caribbean. “What this whole combined Buffon made an amazing fingertip save. King, coach since late 2004, is tour will do is give us extended The French team retained possession looking forward to the team build- access to work with the players. It superbly as the match moved into its final ing on the progress of their will be a test of the players’ dura- stages - and almost scored a fourth through suprising, and exhilirating, 4-1 bility and their ability to main- Ribery. series victory over India in the tain quality and high levels of Caribbean in May.“In the last few performance for a long period of games the team played as a team time.” Published by Upali Newspapers Ltd, 223, Bloemendhal Road, Colombo 13. and Printed at 195/187, High Level Road, Homagama on Friday, 8th September, 2006.