The American sprinter, who spent six months in a Texas federal prison after it was discovered she used steroids before the 2000 Sydney Olympics and lied about it, is looking to sign for a team in Europe this winter.

 

She then wants to play in the Women's National Basketball Association (NBA) in 2010.

 

The revelations that she had taken drugs led to her being stripped of the five medals, including three gold, she won in Sydney.

 

Jones, 34, has since lectured school children in her "Take a Break" programme in an effort to satisfy her 800 hours of mandated community service.

 

But Conte, the owner and founder of the Bay Area Laboratory Co-Operative (Balco), who provided many of the the performance-enhancing drugs that Jones used,  remains unconvinced that Jones has faced up to her past.

 

Despite the overwhelming evidence lined-up against her, Jones has denied that she knew she was using banned drugs, including on the Oprah Winfrey Show last October, when she claimed it was only when FBI agents showed her a sample of Tetrahydrogestrinone (THG), also known as the "clear" and the drug taken by Britain's Dwain Chambers, she realised she had used it.

 

Conte told insidethegames: "I am saddened that Marion Jones continues to tell a half-truth and has refused to fully accept responsibility for her past use of drugs.

 

"She has still not acknowledged that she knowingly used drugs, which I know that she did.

 

"Marion claims that others misled her by telling her that the substances were legal.

 

"This is simply not true.

 

"Marion knowingly used drugs and I'm sure she knows it was a mistake.

 

"But, I believe Marion is continuing to make a mistake by not coming forward with the entire truth.

 

"Her message to kids called the 'Take a Break' programme advises them to think before they lie or cheat.

 

"I would like to see Marion follow her own advise and tell the entire truth about her past use of drugs.

 

"I've made very serious mistakes myself and I know how difficult it can be to accept responsibility for the hurt that you have caused others.

 

"I would truly like to see Marion make a difference in the lives of as many kids as possible, but I think she would be more effective by following her own advise."

 

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]

 

 

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