Told you so

Reginald G. Addison, Forestville, MD — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 22:27:48 GMT

At least those of us who were wrong feel bad about it. You sound like one of those guys who are happy that you were right about your wife cheating on you or that your teenage daughter is having sex.
Maybe you would have at least hoped you were wrong. I hope you get a record number of hits on your blog.

Told you so

Kurt Baumberger, Atlanta, GA — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 22:33:19 GMT

If a 9 year old kid cheats in a game of checkers or any sport, the other children will refuse to play with him and will not respect him. Adults will frown on the child and tell him "Winners never cheat. And cheaters never win."

What happens to us between teaching the eight year old and embracing the eighteen year old. Did we lose our minds? Do we need athletic entertainment that badly? Do we really think these people are so different from us?

At the end of the day, the only difference is better eye hand coordination, endurance, and sometime abnormally large bodies. Does that allow them to use a different ethical or moral compass? Or are we all so corrupt?

Told you so

dmarini — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 22:38:00 GMT

my feeling on all this:.... let them use the drug..it's their body and if they want to destroy it then that is fine by me. We are talking about sports - games - they have no real meaning in the world with all it's issues. All sports does is give someone a chance to make more money than anyone can imagine, so let them cheat. Whether they do or not has no bearing on me surviving daily. People who say otherwise, you are just living a fantasy thru them...get real and do some real good in the world..help kids who do drugs and don't have a chance in hell to succeed at sports. They do drugs because they feel hopeless. Sport Idols - what a joke and a waste of air.

Told you so

rpond, Los Angeles, California — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 22:42:05 GMT

So, if Flo-Jo was a drug user, then the top sprinter before her was too? Evelyn Ashford? If her, then the woman before her? Why don't you blame everyone including Wilma Rudolph and be done with it!
So, regarding Marion Jones, you are the high priest on naysayers who is right after all? Spare me! Who are you, but one of a million bloggers who try to prove everybody wrong. People like you are really a dime a dozen.
Flo-Jo died of suffocation after a seizure. There was no drugs in her what so ever. If she was taking so many drugs in 1988, then she would've died sooner because of the after effects. Flo-Jo stayed at her same weight and look long after the Seoul Games. Baseball players lost considerable amount of weight and became unrecognizable after their drug inducements.
As for Lance Armstrong, The man fought back cancer that almost killed him. You ever think that he physically and mentally worked hard for those seven titles? No! You want to blame him! So, what about the man before him and before him and before him? Blame everyone if you are so right when it comes to drug induced athletes.

Told you so

Beth, Redlands CA — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 22:48:46 GMT

The hypocrasy is such that, while we hate Bonds for cheating his way to a hallowed records, many of us feel badly for Jones. It must be less about the cheating (which I abhor) and more about the personality (which I freely admit). Armstrong made us proud, Landis embarassed us. Quite the dichotomy.

Told you so

G. Mattia, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 00:34:17 GMT

WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU ATHLETES THAT CHEAT. . . WAS IT THE LACK OF PROPER COACHING? ANYONE USING STEROIDS IN THIS DAY AND AGE FOR THE PURPOSE OF CHEATING DESERVES THE LONG FALL FROM GRACE – SHAME ON THOSE OF YOU DOING IT NOW!

Told you so

Babs, Buena Park, California — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 00:34:40 GMT

Sad day for me.... But while she said she will quick Track and Field - the sport she dearly loves; why not just be a coach and prove to herself that she can make a difference somewhere in the sport. Like telling all she knows - would that not be great!! How many others shot up next to her? Well, it is sad for me because a hero just died in front of me....

Told you so

Ed Neinabor — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 00:35:42 GMT

I just don't get it. Marion was a heroine to thousands of young women. Why damage her body and lose her reputation, hence her influence on young people who looked up to her? There are NO HEROES among us, anymore. Hate to say it, but it reminds me of Rome before the Fall. There is so much deceit and corruption here in America that I have no idea what will happen to our children and grandchildren. There is NO excuse for this.

Told you so

Tom - Ohio — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 00:37:22 GMT

Celizic - could you be any more holier-than-thou??? You were probably one of those folks that can't remember much from the 60's - no doubt a smoker who never inhaled.... A novel idea - why not not only allow, but provide performance enhancing drugs to everyone - no more unfair advantages and an end to all suspicions, plus millions would be saved in testing.

Told you so

Susan M, Venice FL — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 00:43:52 GMT

When I first read this headline today, the first place I knew I had to look was "Open Mike" and you didn't let me down! Thank you for not being afraid to speak the truth and to put it out there plain and simple and not pander to anyone. I don't follow sports a whole ton, but you had me hooked with your straightforward style and your editorial today on this subject was excellent. Keep up the good work!

Told you so

Barbara Lang Shirley Arkansas — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 00:49:50 GMT

Better late than never. Everyone screws up. Marion Jones at least has more courage and dignity than most of our elected officials who never admit to any mistakes (pay attention Larry Craig)

Told you so

DFryer — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 00:51:29 GMT

I just hope this is the opening that is needed to catch Bonds. Cheating is cheating. Don't know how to go back and say what's right and what's wrong, but it should be over. Test them all...find a test for HGH...catch them all! Ilegal video taping? Steroids? Are we all cheaters? Look towards the leaders...cheating?...misleading at best....nuff said.

Told you so

Mike, Albany, NY — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 00:52:51 GMT

JUICER! Nothing new in sports!

Told you so

Colorado — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 00:54:38 GMT

TOUGH, so? what's the big deal? I am deep in trouble with my mortgage, well?? Hanging doesn't stop because you are crying.

Told you so

Colorado — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 00:58:21 GMT

Admission of guilt doesn't ligthen the sentence. People die, guilty got hang, Blacks blame the whites,
I say proceed with the drama, the rope is ready, cry you may, but don't bs your way to the freedom lovin Americans.

Told you so

Greg — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 00:59:13 GMT

Another one bites the dust. Who's next?

Told you so

George Cesal,Tucson,AZ — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 01:05:09 GMT

She IS an athlete, aftter all. All of them cheat in some way.

Told you so

Bill Welker — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 01:07:36 GMT

Reminds me of "I didn't have sexual relations with that woman." He was a liar and cheater too. But, our idiot nation loved him. We get in our sports heroes, celebs, and polititians what we deserve.

Told you so

Johnny5stars, Irvine, CA — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 01:10:52 GMT

For once, I have to admit I agree with you wholeheartedly. I used to be a wide-eyed believer when an accused athlete vehemently denied charges of doping, even when their freakish physiques screamed "Liar!" as they adamantly refuted all charges against them in front of the international audience of sports fans and media. Yeah, yeah, yeah, we are all "shocked, shocked to see 'juicing' going on in this establishment" too...

Told you so

Charlie — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 01:19:08 GMT

Sorry, I don't agree with the remark that she earned "disgrace". WE want a winner and put them in the limelight anytime day/night and they look good for the rest of the world to see. No, the real disgace in this is we want winners no matter what! That's what the media focus's on. Do they show anything but? In many ways we are all responsible and enablers until we learn that winning isn't the only thing in life. Until we learn that then we are just as much to blame as we want winners at any cost. Sadly, in this day and age we get what we sow...some may agree and some may not.

Told you so

jc, indianapolis — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 01:21:15 GMT

Call me an armstrong fan, but no one has come up with a legitmate shred of evidence yet on him. I can't say the same for anyone else you mention

Told you so

Bill G, Euless, Texas — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 01:34:23 GMT

The thing is Mike I did not make money of these cheats, you did. You spent countless columns writing about these folks, extolling their so-called virtues. Deep down you are just as guilty like most writers. We all knew what is happening in the NFL, but you will not say anything. That is your meal ticket. The greatest thing that happened to my life is when I stopped watching professional football. What a charade and clowns like you perpetuate the whole scam. Too bad most Americans are too stupid to realize the true reality of sports.

Bill

Told you so

Ben Cox, Okahumpka FL — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 01:50:38 GMT

who actually cares about this story, certainly not enough to be on the cover page. Why are we not more interested in things that affect our lives.

Told you so

Track Fan, Atlanta, GA — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 01:51:26 GMT

While much of what you write may be true, your shots at FloJo are despicable! Tehre may ahve been good reason to suspect that she was doping at the time but she's never been caught and now she's not ehre to defend herself! You don't know for an absolute fact that she was using drugs, and neither do I! If you're going to attack someone, attack someone who is here to sue you for libel! FloJo can't and you're a coward for going after her!

Told you so

Harry Toder, Springfield, Ky. — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 01:59:31 GMT

It's very sad when winning trumps everything else.

Winning is important, but until our society no longer values winning at all costs, we are going to see repeat occurrences.

Told you so

Fernando, Miami, FL — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 02:00:13 GMT

You really think Lance was doped?

Told you so

Fred Robledo, West Covina, CA — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 02:02:34 GMT

I guess we shouldn't be shocked any more.
The sad thing is that now every great achievement in any sport will be met with some skepticism. Tiger Woods looks bulked up. Is he cheating? There was a time when I would have said there is no way a golfer would cheat, but now I am having second and third thoughts.
I still don't think Tiger cheats, but I am sorry to say I would no longer be surprised if one day he was forced to admit he used drugs.

Told you so

lisa, fort worth, tx — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 02:04:35 GMT

well i agree it's disgraceful. i remember when we thought all the "east german women" were juiced. their athletes were professionals, ours were actually amateur. but things have certainly changed. i'm not surprised about marion jones, her body looked more manly than 75% of all the men i've ever known. i'm glad she's asked for forgiveness, though that's her bad karma. now if only barry bonds would follow suit.

Told you so

H. Bowers, Denver, CO — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 02:07:43 GMT

I couldn't have said it better myself. When I saw the replay tonight of her 2004 interview with NBC, "I've been blessed with talent ... " I was just stunned. I'd forgotten this interview. It's bad enough to cheat and just deny it, but to then brag about your God given talent and superior work ethic ... I'd like to see her hand back her medals in a ceremony televised around the world. It's how she got them.

Told you so

A Real Man, Atlanta, GA — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 02:10:09 GMT

What a man, attacking a woman who can't defend herself! While one may ahve had good reason to suspect that Flo Jo ws cheating, she's never been caught and for you to not only attack her while she's dead but to suggest that her death was hastened by drugs is downright despicable! You, like so many other so-called journalists, are nothing but a punk, a coward and a shell of a so-called man!

Told you so

Sis- Marshall, AR. — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 02:19:32 GMT

Well I guess you were right. And it is a shame, and I hope she gets busted big time. The crocadile tears didn't help. She has stripped her team of their medals. She enjoyed the money reaped from the endorsements, which the true winners didn't get to enjoy because of her lies. It's all about lies, steroids, money and being who your not anymore. I have no pity for her, just those who won legally, and honestly. Sports suck anymore, and the crazed Americans support it. What a shame.

Told you so

bruce lakeman — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 02:22:40 GMT

do you ever wonder about tiger woods?

Told you so

Carlos , Upland, CA — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 02:22:45 GMT

What is mind boggling is how we as a society hold our athletes to a higher standard than we do ourselves. The USA is an entire society built upon a win at all costs philosophy yet when our athletes admit their mistakes we judge harshly. We are a cut throat society and should recognize that we brought this upon ourselves. Marion JOnes is and will always be a great athlete and we should judge her in the same way we would judge ourselves... no less and no more.

Told you so

Tracey, Bellevue WA — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 02:23:34 GMT

When the subject of drug cheats comes up in my sports conversations, the argument ends up being "but others were certainly doing it too, so it was a level playing field and what was so-and-so athlete supposed to do but take them to compete".

That's more ennabling BS to me.

Cheating is cheating. If the games are full of cheats, that still doesn't make cheating right.

Told you so

Mark Carrig, clearwater, FL — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 02:32:17 GMT

This is what America is becoming. Praise the cheaters. It's all about the mighty dollar... We will sell ourselves and our country to the highest bidder. Just ask the Clintons :(

Told you so

Nascar, anytown, USA — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 02:34:43 GMT

If you ain't cheatin, you ain't playing.

Told you so

CL — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 02:40:04 GMT

Finally, someone who is speaking some sense on MSNBC. As a former bodybuilder, one can tell in an instant which athletes are juiced. Marion Jones was always a given by her tell tale leanness and hardened jawline. McGwire was always a given. Barry Bonds, Sammy Sosa, etc as well. That these guys have doped is no doubt. Lance Armstrong? Who's he kidding? Why is it so hard for Americans to deal with this and just accept facts. Most professional athletes, say 80%, are using either anabolic steroids (which don't always necessarily make you muscle bound, but instead increase strength, decrease bodyfat, and increase stamina instead), growth hormones, anti estrogens, cortisol blockers, EPO (Floyd Landis, etc), ephedrine, etc etc...
Heck, even Tiger Woods is now in on the fun (hint, hint).

Told you so

CL — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 02:46:02 GMT

One large issue that must be cleared up, is the fact that all these athletes using the scapegoat of using a topical steroid substance called "the clear" is a big joke. This is a diversion away from the truth that they use injectable, down and dirty steroids just as every bodybuilder ever has, since day 1. None of these people take topical applications of steroids or growth hormones; they inject them and in some cases use oral pills.

Told you so

Bill, Miami, Florida — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 02:58:33 GMT

Absolutely agree 100%. Marian Jones is a cheat and a disgrace, and has been for years.

So, when will Lance Armstrong be outed? We hold the same skepticism to him of course, just tempored somewhat by the amity he accumulated with his battle against cancer (which while winning, only culminated with him divorcing his supportive wife).

Told you so

Karin Osborne, Oceanside, Ca — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 03:14:26 GMT

No surprises but her speech in asking forgiveness and stating how she had let down her followers, her family, her friends, the United States, etc., was very moving. I'm sorry for her and her mistakes. She was most apologetic unlike Barry Bonds and the Baseball guys. I blame the coaches, the trainers and most of all the competitive nature that drives these athelets to use these drugs to WIN.

Told you so

Ray, SF, CA — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 03:15:10 GMT

What possesses appointed presidents to lie and cheat? At least Jones admitted she betrayed the country.

Told you so

Craig Hill — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 03:35:42 GMT

Cheating is obvious, but how the heck did she lose her millions? Stupid is as stupid does, as was said by Forest Gump.

Told you so

John Mulvihill, Oakland, CA — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 03:43:29 GMT

It's a shame, but all professional sports that require strength and endurance are now tainted, have been for decades, and will be for the foreseeable future.

Where the stakes are high, doping will never cease. It's a cat-and-mouse game between the chemists on both sides. Sometimes the same chemists end up switching sides, just like in the big leagues. These days, the real competition in sport is between the dopers and the testers.

This year's Tour de France was the coup de gras for any further interest in pro bicycle racing on my part. (For those who don't know, most of the lead riders were expelled for doping.) I believe in my heart that Levi Leipheimer, who finished third, is clean. But then again, he will never win the Tour for just that reason.

And yeah, I threw away my yellow wrist band years ago.

Professional sport has been soiled by drugs and too much money. So instead of watching pro bicycle racing, I'm going to go racing myself. Within two years I'll be eligible for the 50+ age category, and in that bunch I'll still be just a kid. Starting right now I'm going to up my mileage and be super-fit for my debut.

I won't have to worry about doping. In the geezer bike racing leagues, juicing involves the prune variety, to be taken at least an hour before the race.

Told you so

Mr. Sullivan, San Jose, Calif. — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 03:45:59 GMT

When I watched Marion Jones after she plead guilty, proclaiming her own guilt behind a bank of microphones, I felt so sorry for her. She seemed to bare her soul about the pain and shame she was feeling and the sorrow of where she is now, after all the glory. But I tempered my feelings about what I was watching when I snapped back to reality and back to the fact that she was so sad and so ashamed because her cheating and lying caught up with her.

Told you so

Josh, Missouri City, Texas — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 03:46:57 GMT

If she truly comes clean, she tells about Bonds. She has to know.

Just come clean....all the way.

Told you so

Paul Hamilton, Tualatin, Oregon — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 03:56:20 GMT

When our society stops heaping praise and $$$ on athletes for allowing us to vicariously strive and achieve, maybe then the temptation to cheat will not be overwhelming.

Told you so

Isak Baruch — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 04:00:08 GMT

It's the addiction to the adrenaline rush they recieve from the fan adulation.
Can you answer this: What makes presidents cheat?

Told you so

Savannah GA. — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 04:04:21 GMT

What a shame. I remember how Mark Henry was laid waste to his use of steriods. At the the time Marion seemed distant from him and shortly after they were not together anymore.She's broke and her rep ruined. We all should be ashamed because we as fans contribute to these ahtletes becoming cheats. I know am. This is a very sad day for sports and even a sadder day for Marion, now and seven years ago when she lied to us and herself.

Told you so

richard parks kokomo Indiana — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 05:13:55 GMT

Once again we find a person with so much going for them got there cheating. Marion Jones got to ride the big wave for a long time,now the ride ends crashing to shore. To bad for her. To bad for the person wanting to ride the wave but did not get to do someone elses greed. Sounds like and Enron story.

Told you so

Edward J. Butterworth — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 05:58:38 GMT

I would far rather assume the best of someone and be proven wrong than assume the worst simply because I feared being labeled as "silly" by a no-nothing sportswriter. Obviously you're completely unaware of the fact that Flo-Jo's autopsy showed her death to be caused by a congenital condition and revealed no signs of steroid abuse.

Told you so

Creole,Chatagnier, La. — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 07:56:39 GMT

Hey Mike,

We work hard and long down here as do many folks all over the USA. A really good year for us is maybe $48K.
This Jones girl may have looked at that amount as pocket change. Lying is one thing, cheating in a sport is another but working with check fraud criminals is absolutely off the charts.
How many hard working folks got burned by that scheme? How many of those folks are still trying to clear their credit and reclaim their good names while she is crying in front of audiences. Good reporting and keep up with the truth on these spoiled, so called "professional" athletes.

Told you so

Sue B Tampa FL — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 12:49:46 GMT

I knew she was doing stuff to be better waaaay before her admission - as many others did. So why does this offend those who were wrong by saying she didn't? And why is it not ok to gloat a little? The truth always come out - in time. Sometimes it just takes a little longer. And I fully agree with everyone who says that many of today's American sports figures are disgracefrul cheaters/liars. Most are, and not for the love of the game, but for the love of fame. So, real sorry for those of you who feel sorry for her. Just think a little deeper into the rest of this liar's life. She's had multi-million dollar endorsements for countless numbers of products. And now that she has come clean, she's free to live her life in the bounty earned through her lies. Real nice. I suppose you will say it's her reward for fessing up.

Told you so

Tuxster, Cincinnati, Ohio — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 13:14:36 GMT

For Lance Armstrong to win seven grueling Tours in a row makes me believe he's a cheater.

I could understand if he won two in a row and then lost one the next year. And then, won one the next year, lost, and then maybe won two.

But, noooooo!

He came back from dead -- from CANCER, no less -- to win seven Tour de France races in a row!

I'm having none of it.

Lance Armstrong is a cheater.

Told you so

Bob — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 14:07:11 GMT

When I was growing up, baseball (and sports in general) was a game; it was competition on a personal level; it was doing your best with what you had. Now sports is a multimillion-dollar business, so with that kind of money involved, it's no wonder that people cheat. Rabid sports fans who take sports all too seriously contribute to the cheating. And so do the parasites, who for whatever reason can't play sports themselves, but who worship sports so much that they make a living supporting sports, such as sportswriters and analysts. I want to shout at you "It's just a freaking game!" Somehow, we are convinced as Americans that we can't lose a fair competition, so if we do lose, the other guy was cheating. To maintain this winning obsession, sports figures take performance-altering drugs to set new records and support their already bloated egos and feelings of self-importance. I feel badly for sports figures who do this to themselves. The pain and humiliation of being caught out (and losing their medals and records) should be enough punishment. For everyone in sports who cheated and was caught and punished, there should also be a sportswriter or analyst who should go down with them for glorifying a game or competition farther out of proportion than it should have been looked at. It is partly their fault for what is happening and they should share the punishment with the cheaters.

Told you so

Sher Connecticut — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 14:19:56 GMT

Cheaters never win. This is a shame for the young kids, involved in sports, that idolize the professionals in sports.

Told you so

Paul Rosino, Oklahoma City — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 14:29:39 GMT

Please, please, please.....all you athletes who have used performance enhancing drugs just come out and get it over with! This will never stop, someone will find out and we will have to read and hear about it at each instance. Have a rally say "OK I did it" and get it over with! As the great NIKE commercials say "JUST DO IT!"

Told you so

Patty Smith, St. Louis, MO. — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 14:39:55 GMT

So what! Marion Jones is still the greatest female track and field runner. Hold your head up Marion, you haven't done any more than other sports players.

Let's talk about Mark McGuire? Wasn't he suppose to do some time in jail? Well, if she goes, his behind better be there too. If she goes to jail, once again justice in America will prove that if you are white, you will be alright; but if you are black or any other minority, give it up, you are going to be SCREWED!!!!

MARION NOTE - - YOU HAVEN'T DISGRACED YOURSELF OR YOUR RACE - - HOLD ON AND WE LOVE YOU.

Told you so

Bear, North Carolina — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 15:13:53 GMT

I don't condone cheating - or sensationalism for that matter.

I would have expected nothing less than a cynical/negative take on these events from Celizic (see every one of his columns).

Told you so

Lisa, Milwaukee, WI — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 15:54:19 GMT

She shouldn't have taken the substance and lied about what she did given what the rules are now. She blatantly lied and knew it. However, I really do not understand why atheletes can't take whatever substance they want. They may be killing themselves slowly, and hurting their bodies but if they are willing to go to those levels, I say so be it. It is, as another reader said, just a sport and if they are willing to go to these extremes, let them.

Told you so

Rod Myers — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 15:56:10 GMT

I have no interest in the Olympic Games or the World Series or the Tour De France any more. I can't believe how we looked down on the East European "athletes" while our own "athletes" were doing the same thing on the sly.I hope this person just fades away and that she doesn't come out with some book enriching herself with her sordid confessions giving the blame to everyone but herself.

Told you so

R. Smith — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 16:21:33 GMT

I can't wait to hear the cries of "Racism". Marion Jones didn't know what she was taking? Come on now, does anyone really believe that?

Told you so

Judy Covert — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 16:24:36 GMT

No I know why I am a motorsports fan specifically NASCAR, the drivers are true athletes who don't need any kind of substance put into their bodies to win. NASCAR has a stringent drug policy that many drivers have experienced and are no longer driving. Drivers set great examples both on and off the track example Kyle Pettty, Tony Stewart the NASCAR charities.

Told you so

Susan W, Mansfield, Ohio — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 17:11:33 GMT

Watching her "mea culpa" on tv, Queen's "Another One Bites the Dust" started going through my head...I hate that song, and hate that atheletes who should hold themselves to a higher standard (than the everyday neighborhood bully/cheat) think that with a tearful apology on national tv their international disgrace will be forgiven and forgotten. Sorry toots, you're just one of a very rotten bunch, sad to say.

Told you so

Dustin, Miami, FL — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 18:21:22 GMT

Why are we suprised? We demand so much from athletes today. Anyway why is it illegal to use preformance enhancing drugs?? Because it gives and unfair advantage?? So what, these people know what it does to the thier bodies and minds they are prepared to live with that to be able to preform at the top of the pack. If another athlete is not willing to do whatever it takes to win short of killing or injuring another athlete I say let them do what they want to THIER BODIES. Everything we do has a positive and negitive effect on ourselves and others.

Told you so

Diego Nassau, Bahamas — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 21:43:54 GMT

Marion Jones at the time were one of my favorite athletes until this terrible news came across this week. I am not from United States but I found myself pulling against runners from my own country sometimes. I am not from Jamaica, but this is bad for runners like Merlene Ottey who work her back off to be the best and she may have lost some of those races by runners cheating and never caught. She was one of my favourite runners as well. Please these runners from United States are running some times so quick every year which is faster than any country in the world, and it seems as though everyone to put on a shoe all of a sudden becomes fast. Some serious investigation need to be done with track athletes in the United States and I am saying this from an objective point of view, cause I have nothing but love for Americans.

Told you so

Jonathan Marsh — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 22:06:36 GMT

re: "Whether they do or not has no bearing on me surviving daily."

And what do you say to the young man or woman who is denied a spot on the Olympic team...or a scholarship...or a professional contract because he/she was going up against cheaters? If your child was denied entrance into college because the slots were all filled with people who got perfect scores on the ACT (because they cheated)...would you have the same opinion? Of course not. This issue is about so much more than 'a game'. It's about morality and fairness.

Told you so

Carlos Crim — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 22:19:23 GMT

You are a low-class,blubbering, buffoon!!!! How dare you insult and attack the legacy left by Flo Jo.If I were Al Joyner I would sue you into the stone age.

Told you so

Ed Haley, Rome, NY — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 23:57:27 GMT

MJ should not only lose her medals, but the NOOC should pay for the expenses of the medalists behind her to upgrade their medals at the next Olympics.

Told you so

Dee — Sun, 07 Oct 2007 00:08:11 GMT

At least one little glimmer of hope and reason for pride is the fact that the U.S. athletics and sport regulatory bodies never cover up cheats. I am as proud of this country's efforts to expose these dishonest athletes as I am ashamed of the cheats.

Told you so

geoff walker, phoenix az — Sun, 07 Oct 2007 01:01:25 GMT

Think about it. Jones is no different than Rosie Ruiz, that colossal fraud who finished first in the NYC Marathon but was stripped of her laurel wreath when it was discovered she rode the subway for much of the race. Jones, cheating all the way, was effectively starting on the 10 yard marker while all the other people she was "competing" against were back on the starting line. Not only should she immediately forfeit the medals, all of her times should be striken from the record books and she should cough up every dollar she made from being The Big Winner and apologize to every competitor whose legitimate lifelong efforts she trashed by cheating to win. Some of them should have been on the Wheaties boxes, wearing the medals with pride and making the endorsement money, not this ethically vacant human being. The topper is that she's lying STILL with the phoney flaxseed oil story. But she managed to cry the fake tears in her news conference, and that will serve to insulate her from the harsh words that would surely be written if she were not female. At least Bonds has heard it from the crowds wherever he's gone. Jones will be spared all that, you just watch. Any day now, we'll be hearing about "redemption" and "forgiveness". Her whole public image, her whole accomplishment==it was all a lie.

Told you so

ND — Sun, 07 Oct 2007 04:00:10 GMT

The biggest thing that underlies all of this is MONEY. The stakes are so high now to win at all costs apparently, that the it's almost a given that all sports are tainted.

If the fans would stop paying to see games and buying merchandise and tickets to everything, this would stop immediately. I have no interest in professional sports any longer and now we know the Olympics and probably college is rife with it too. I dare say in some cases, college scholarships probably induce HS athletes to use steroids too.

The sad part is, being a world class athlete takes up your entire life while you compete. You have to eat healthy and sleep right and work out all the time. Wouldn't you think that injecting a drug would really go against the grain? What are they thinking???

Told you so

Mike N, Annapolis MD — Sun, 07 Oct 2007 04:42:48 GMT

With all the cheating, lying, and DYING going on over the last five years, a few of you nutbags are whining about the Clintons?? That's hysterical. Find a new boogeyman. This WAS a sports column you know.

BTW, why does Clemens seem to get a pass on all the steroid / HGH suspicion? He's mysteriously balooned out of his uniform for years, like Pudge, Sosa, McGwire, etc.. I think he gave it a few months to "come back" so the various crap would clear out of his system before submitting to a league mandated blood test.

Told you so

Nick P, Spring Hill, Fl. — Sun, 07 Oct 2007 17:47:08 GMT

Steroid abuse is rampant in sports today because of the athletes themselves. No one forces you to take anything without first finding out what it is. As a young college athlete I was offered a liver pill by a teamate to help me with energy. Even in 1973 we knew about steroids and the un-natural talent we would get but each athlete must decide if they want their accomplishments to be their's or a drug's.

Told you so

larry casa grande az — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 01:16:23 GMT

should marion have to return all of the endorsment money she received ?

Told you so

Dan J, Staunton, Va — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 11:22:35 GMT

I really wanted for Marion to have been clean, and am really disappointed with how things have turned out. I'm even more disappointed in hack "sportswriters" who jump up on their high horse and scream "I told you so, I told you so!!!" Congratulations Mike, you knew, you are truly the man. And, to revel in the disgrace of another really shows what a real man you are. Maybe you and Saraceno over at USA Today can get together for drinks and high five each other over what great human beings you both are.

Told you so

Bev, Clemmons, NC — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 11:58:28 GMT

Reading the comments here regarding doping in sports, I see, to my complete dismay and anger, that Tiger's name appears several times. How utterly ridiculous and sad that Tiger's name is mentioned in this context (by seemingly small-minded, jealous writers). Tiger Woods is a generous, talented, focused, hard-working gentleman and a sports figure from whom all of us could take life lessons.

Please, when making accusations about doping in sports, leave Tiger's name out. Sadly, there are already too many sport figures who have earned the suspicions about doping; Tiger is NOT one of them.

Told you so

Brian Hayes — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 12:55:43 GMT

Cheating in sports really robs all of us fans of the reason that we watch sports. I get chills when I see a dominant performance in any sport....but these days I don't trust my own judgement as to who is clean or not. The cheaters are ripping off you and me...the fans who pay to watch them, buy their jerseys, etc.
Here's an answer... have two sporting worlds... one that allows performance enhancing drugs and one that does not. Anyone caught cheating in the 'no drugs 'sport....life in prison with no parole, and not the country clubs that celebs often go to these days....real prison...hard time....communal showers. Let the cheaters fool themselves into thinking they are really that good...all the while slowly killing themselves. We would really be better off without them in our world.
Oh, and by the way....and I'm not even a big fan of his.... but Tiger does look bigger, but he was hitting the ball a mile when he was a scrawny amateur. He would be a fool to cheat... plus if they ever find a drug that can make you putt and chip like he can, let me know where to invest in that company.

Peace out.

Told you so

George J. Mitchell — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 14:35:53 GMT

Nike knows doping and lying.

Lance Pharmstrong and his Cancer sneaker sales fraud has flunked seven drug tests--yet is declared clean by a media built upon drugged heroes, false themes and out-and-out lies.

Nike enodrorsed dopers---including a new and improved Tiger Woods with his 30 lbs of new lean muscle mass.

Tiger joins, Kobe, Mike Vick, Marion, Justin Gatlin, Lance, Giambi and Baroid as steroid abusers.

They all dope at this level (beginning in high school) Marion Jones was sanctioned in high school but saved by Johnnie Cocchran---yup, no joke.

Lance was the biggect pre-Cancer drug cheat of all.

Told you so

shayla, washington dc — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 19:11:48 GMT

First let me say I am a loyal Jones fan!! STILL! I will always love Flo-Jo because she is who made love track. What people misunderstand about drugs is that they dont make a slow person fast. Its time everyone just accepts the fact that pro athletes use drugs. Get over it. Its a survival tactic when you are highly paid for doing what you love to do. However your body cant handle the constant beating. You yourself couldnt go out and do half of what it takes to run 2 races at 1 meet on the professional circuit. You couldnt ride the first course of the Tour de France. You want to be the best...you dope. You want to be average, you dont. So you told everyone, you knew...what does it do. Nothing. Marions confession wont change the face of sports and it doesnt stop me from being her fan. Its just the time we live in. There are other problems in this world that are more important.

Told you so

Tony, Spokane, WA — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 21:12:25 GMT

Unfortunately, our society has "cheaters" at all levels (up to and including the "POTUS" and "VPOTUS"). Also unfortunate, is that some of them "get away with it", which encourages others to "cheat". I'm sorry for us all. We will go down in history as "cheaters".

Told you so

Disgusted, New Jersey — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 21:40:20 GMT

I agree, let her apologise while the US anthem is being played in the background. The athetes she ran against, especially those Jamaican girls deserve the apology. Shame on her. Many athletes running as a part of the US Dream Team have cheated their way to their medals, and we in Jamaica know it. Our own Merline Ottey is known as the Bronze Queen because of them.

Told you so

Char, Houston, Texas — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 21:50:57 GMT

Marion had an amazing build that was a tribute to hard work and dedication. Not sure when she started to doubt that it was enough to keep her a champion. For those of us sitting on the sideline. We enjoyed the entertainment value of her victories much like I enjoy an academy award winning movie. I think it's wrong that she lied. Much like I get annoyed when really skinny starlets say "I eat...really I do". We know the truth when we see something that is sooo unattainable....however I was still entertained for that moment and I haven't lost that feeling when she won the five medals. It was entertaining not life altering.

Told you so

Marge, Oak Harbor, WA — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 22:03:03 GMT

Don't feel sorry for Marion at all. The evidence had just mounted up to a point where she had to 'fess up. What a burden to carry around that you had been hiding this and in the back of your mind, you have to know you are going to get caught eventually. What a waste of talent, and what arrogance and greed!

Told you so

Daniele — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 05:09:10 GMT

We all know better. Carl? Lance? Let's start giving respect where respect is really earned. I think Americans especially are ready to embrace a winner no matter what. And that is no good. How can I put this? Why do you people buy into anything that makes you look powerful even if it's laughable from the outside? Man, wake up. Propaganda isn't gonna help anything.

If sport is about who has the best doping technique then let's just call it best doping technique competition and be done with it.

And yeah. I know. You aren't the only cheaters. We have plenty too.

Thanks. I'm really mad about Marion Jones because she made the choice to cheat AND to lie. Again and Again.These are our elite athletes.

Told you so

Brian Mahoney, Seattle WA — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 13:56:32 GMT

Mike, I'm disappointed with your repeated attacks on Bill Belichick, coach of the Patriots "Rage against the Patriots", October 12, 2007. The root of your rage seems to be that he brushes off the media and doesn't pay the appropriate amount of attention to them, and that he wears a sweatshirt to games. Um, I think most NFL owners would give up a few first round draft choices to have a coach perform like Bellichick. Not sure what your issue is -- perhaps Bellichick (appropriately) ignores you?

Told you so

Mike Hill, State College, PA — Mon, 15 Oct 2007 16:40:21 GMT

There's a big difference between many of the cheats you mentioned and the two bicyclists you mentioned: There's been no credible evidence that Armstrong or Landis cheated. To call the labs that charged them "spotty" or "partisan" is a vast understatement. I've also never heard of a smoking gun a la Barry Bonds' hat size, pointing to either of the cyclists.

Armstrong, in my opinion, was simply smeared by a French press and sporting association that could not abide an American winning so often. The recent ruling against Landis belies both logic and sense -- the judges even cautioned against ever using that lab's results in a meaningful way ever again, with the exeption (apparently) that they may always be used to screw Floyd Landis.

Save your ire for where it's clearly due.

Told you so

Irv, Stoughton, MA — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 01:01:26 GMT

these people may not be important to our survival, but their actions affect everyone. it shows that if you have the money, you can get away with murder in this country (a-hem, OJ). we all know that if a prominent indivudual admits to cheating or lying, most of the morons in this country will buy their book talking about it. no win situation in any regard.

Told you so

Karen Atlanta, GA — Sun, 25 Nov 2007 17:56:13 GMT

tTHE SAD PART ABOUT ALL OF THIS IS THAT MARION JONES PROBABLY DIDNT NEED STEROIDS SHE HAD TALENTS BUT ITS SO SAD....

Told you so

Chloe Kiernicki, Decatur, Georgia — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 20:30:31 GMT

We do not need to hack on people because of drugs. It is very wrong but the guilt is on their consience, not ours. Atleast some of the sports stars confess, but their are ttons that do not. So try to see the good in the people that do confess, and not see the bad in the people that do not. Everyone has some good in them, let us look at that instead.

Told you so

boohoo — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 20:57:34 GMT

shameful..cheaters rob the real hard working althletes who have more class and dignity by playing fair and for the love of what they do...she should cry and cry and cry....boo hoo, you cheat, you lier you disgrace...

Told you so

J Creed, RSM, CA — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 05:41:16 GMT

You are writing about someone you know nothing about and someone who can not defend themselves. I knew Flo Jo personally. She was a friend and a true inspiration to those who knew her.

It is nearly ten years later – let her rest in peace. I don’t need to dignify anymore of your inaccurate rant.