The WNBA is an important part of women’s sports. Prior to the formation of the WNBA in 1996, women basketball players were essentially finished playing ball after their college careers. As an avid women’s college basketball fan, I recognize and appreciate the importance of the WNBA.
However – the WNBA is not the Olympics.
Marion Jones, a former Olympian who had five Olympic medals taken back after she admitted to using steroids is now playing for the WNBA. Marion Jones won 3 gold medals and 2 bronze medals in track and field events during the 2000 Sydney summer Olympics.
Two years ago she admitted that she used steroids before, during and after the 2000 games – and she lied about it. Accordingly, her Olympic medals were taken from her because of her doping activities and she spent six months in jail because of her dishonesty.
Ms. Jones asserts that joining the WNBA is not about redemption but about competing in a competitive basketball league. Maybe that is what her new career is about. Maybe it is not about the past. Either way, success in the WNBA is not going to erase the stigma and disappointment of losing 5 coveted Olympic medals because of steroid use.
