Is it fair to send Olympic track star Marion Jones to jail for steroid use?

No

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by Sean Curtis

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The debate over whether or not Marion Jones should serve jail time is an interesting one. On the one hand, Marion Jones cheated and broke the law. On the other hand, she came forward and took responsibility for her actions.

Some would argue that rules are rules and the law is the law. Therefore every situation should be treated exactly the same, and every criminal should be punished the same. However, that's not how our justice system works. Instead, judges and juries have a range of punishments to choose from when issuing their decisions. They can take all kinds of factors into account and judge accordingly.

In order to develop an position about what should be done with Marion Jones, let's examine the Roger Clemens situation. Clemens was included on the list of players that showed up in the Mitchell Report, an extensive investigation into steroid use in major league baseball. Clemens's ex-trainer, Brian McNamee, testified that he injected Clemens with steroids on numerous occasions, all with the knowledge of Clemens.

Since the report surfaced, Clemens has been on a vigorous PR campaign to deny the accusations. But the sad truths are these:

-For years and years insiders have speculated that Clemens used steroids
-Clemens teammate and good friend, Andy Petite, who's name also appeared in the Mitchell report, admitted to steroid use
-Clemens did bulk up considerably in size and weight around the time he was accused of usage
-At age 45, it's very hard to believe Clemens could still throw that hard
-McNamee has now submitted physical evidence of syringes that are meant to prove Clemens is undeniably guilty
-When McNamee struck an immunity deal with prosecutors, it was under the stipulation that every single word he said was true - he has no reason to lie about Clemens

The facts almost overwhelmingly demonstrate that Clemens is lying. But instead of coming forward and taking responsibility for his actions, Clemens has continued to deny he's done anything wrong. Now I understand that there is a very slim possibility that Clemens is telling the truth. But that possibility is so slim in the face of the above facts (and more), that the chance are very unlikely.

So how does all this relate to Marion Jones? I firmly believe that because Jones came forward on her own, admitted her wrongdoing, and apologized to the world, she should be shown some leniency. While she may have done something wrong in the past, she is doing something right today. Though she should have to serve probation, pay some fines, and do some community service, jail time is too severe for someone trying to make things right. She ultimately took responsibility for her actions, which sets a good example for the young people watching the steroids circus unfold.

Unlike many professional athletes today who continue to deny steroids use even in the face of overwhelming evidence, thus prolonging the ordeal, at least Marion Jones had enough self respect to tell the truth. This should grant her at least some respect and clemency.

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