Fast Break

Track and field

Jones sentenced to six months

Marion 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.”

“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.

The disgraced former Olympic champion was ordered to surrender March 11 to begin her term.

U.S. District Judge Kenneth Karas said he gave her the maximum under the plea deal to send a message to athletes who have abused drugs and overlooked the values of “hard work, dedication, teamwork and sportsmanship.”

The 31-year-old Jones also was given two years’ probation and supervised release, during which she will be required to perform 800 hours of community service.

College football

Oregon’s Stewart opts for NFL

Oregon running back Jonathan Stewart will pass up his senior season and enter the NFL draft.

The school confirmed Stewart’s decision.

The 5-foot-11, 230-pound junior ran for a school-record 1,722 yards, averaging 132.5 yards a game, in leading the Sun Bowl-champion Ducks to a 9-4 record.

He scored 11 touchdowns rushing and caught two TD passes.

Stewart was highly recruited out of Timberline High School in Lacey, Wash., where he ran for 7,755 yards and 95 touchdowns.

Cross country

Shadle’s Nelson wins state honor

Shadle Park sophomore Andrea Nelson has been chosen Washington’s Gatorade cross country runner of the year.

Unbeaten during the fall season, Nelson established runaway meet records at the Mt. Baker and Richland invitationals.

She had the third-fastest time in Highlander Invitational history and a 16-second victory in the State 4A meet. She placed 15th at the Foot Locker West Regional race.