SACRAMENTO, July 9 (UPI) -- The on-going doping scandal plaguing U.S. Olympic track and field athletes is casting a pall over the trials that determine who goes to Athens.
Those trials were to begin Friday, but as many as six of the sport's biggest names are facing possible bans for drug violations, the Washington Post reported.
Olympian Regina Jacobs is scheduled to appear at an arbitration hearing because of a positive test for a designer steroid -- on the same day as she runs in the finals of the 1,500 meters.
In addition, the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency is seeking bans against Calvin Harrison, a relay gold medalist four years ago in Sydney; Tim Montgomery, the 100-meter world record holder; Chryste Gaines, a two-time Olympic relay medal winner; Michelle Collins, the 2003 world indoor champion in the 200, and Alvin Harrison, the 2000 Olympic silver medal winner in the 400.
"We probably are taking a hit internationally with the credibility of our athletes, but at the same time, we know, with the amount of testing we are doing, we have a very limited problem in one sport," U.S. Olympic Committee CEO Jim Scherr said.
"I wish we could clear the problem up now."
