The Maverick Conservative

Marion Jones (American Olympic athlete) was sentenced to six months in prison today for lying about her steroid use (which helped her win Olympic medals).

I don't see it.  Governor Arnold, in California, wants to release THOUSANDDS of real criminals (non-violent), while we want o put this athlete in jail for lying about a NON-CRIME?  I just don't see it.  I don't see it with regard to Barry Bonds either.  Whether you go to jail seems to depend on whether you were unlucky enough to be caught up in an investigation and too dumb to claim the 5th Amendment or otherwise avoid the questions ("it depends on what 'is' is.").

I don't like this trend of prison sentences caused by INVESTIGATIONS with NO underlying crime (like Scooter Libby).  Marion Jones was NOT CHARGED with "cheating" to get her Olympic medals (which she gave up--punishment enough), or taking steroids.  She was charged with perjury/lying to investigators.  No, I am not defending perjury (although Bill Clinton got away with it).  But I hardly think it calls for jail time when Hollywood celebrities get little or no jail time for MUCH worse conduct.  There is just something inappropriate here. 

Again importing a comment from AOL, under the above referenced story, with my reply:

"too bad all sports cant be as harsg as track and field. In track if you test positive you get BANNED for up to a certain number of years. Also there is random testing, yes there is random testing in baseball, but they give the player 24 hour notice, and even when they get caught nothing happens other than a slap on the wrist. Absolutely redonkulioud"

While I agree with what the above post says, I don't think Barry Bonds should go to jail EITHER. Baseball, and the disgraceful Player's Union--perhaps not more disgraceful than the owners that winked at the problem--has FAILED for at least a decade to take effective action against these drugs. Does that mean a player deserves to go to JAIL for getting caught up in an investigation for doing something that the sport CONDONED. I don't think so.

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