Ueberroth strongly criticizes Marion Jones

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y., Oct. 6 (UPI) -- Former U.S. Olympics official Peter Ueberroth has issued a stinging rebuke of Olympics track and field star Marion Jones after her admission to using steroids.

In a federal court at White Plains, N.Y., Friday, Jones, a three-time gold medal winner at the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney entered guilty pleas to a pair of felonies after admitting to friends and family in a letter of her illegal use of steroids starting in 1999 -- a claim she previous denied, even under oath during the BALCO investigations.

"Her admission is long overdue and under-scores the shame and dishonor that are inherent with cheating," Ueberroth, the former USOC Board chairman, said in a statement. "Like any athlete who breaks the rules, Ms. Jones has earned whatever punishment the legal and anti-doping systems hand out. Ms. Jones should immediately step forward and return the Olympic medals she won while competing in violation of the rules."

Reports say the IOC is considering stripping the action.

Jones has announced her retirement.