USADA still isn’t done with Jones

While Marion Jones was not among four athletes to receive letters about possible drug violations, the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency isn’t done with her yet.

The sweeping drug scandal, which already has taken down four top athletes, now threatens to bar several more – and the sport’s biggest star, Jones, remains under investigation.

So, when the U.S. track and field team for the Athens Olympics is chosen in July, there’s no telling who will be allowed to show up.

Jones, who met with USADA officials last month to discuss possible doping evidence against her, received a letter from the agency Tuesday asking follow-up questions.

“USADA asked us the same questions they asked us during our May 24 meeting with them,” said a representative for Jones, who spoke to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity.

USADA spokesman Rich Wanninger said Wednesday he could not comment on the case involving Jones, who won an unprecedented five track medals – three of them gold – at the 2000 Olympics.

Jones’ boyfriend, 100-meter world record holder Tim Montgomery, was among four prospective Olympic medalists who received letters Tuesday informing them that the USADA is pursuing possible doping cases against them that could result in bans from Athens.

Jones, who has a nearly 1-year-old son with Montgomery, issued a statement after placing third in the long jump Tuesday at a track meet in the Czech Republic.

Sources close to the situation identified the other three athletes who received USADA letters as Alvin Harrison, an Olympic silver medalist in the 400 meters, and sprinters Chryste Gaines and Michelle Collins. Gaines is a two-time Olympic relay medalist and Collins was the 2003 world indoor champion in the 200.

A steroids case is pending against Regina Jacobs, a 12-time U.S. champion at 1,500 meters.