Marion Jones Not Included on President Bush's Pardon List

Marion Jones

Former Olympic sprinter Marion Jones was not included on the President's official pardon list, which was released on Monday.

November 24, 2008

Special for Bodybuilding Weekly

Marion Jones applied for a Presidential Pardon from outgoing president George W. Bush to erase her conviction for steroid related offences that saw her stripped of her 2000 Sydney Olympic medals.

But on Monday when the President granted 14 pardons and two commuted sentences to convicted felons, none of the big names who had become the topic of speculation as Mr. Bush leaves office, including Marion, appeared on the official pardon list.

The Justice Department released a list of 16 people at 5:36 p.m. under the headline: “President George W. Bush Grants Pardons and Commutations.”

Those issued reprieves had been found guilty of mostly garden-variety offenses, like Leslie O. Collier, who was issued a pardon for a 1996 conviction for the unauthorized use of a pesticide in killing bald eagles. Others receiving pardons had been convicted, among other offenses, for income tax evasion, unauthorized acquisition of food stamps, drug offenses and bank embezzlement.

Marion's case has not been closed, and there may still be an opportunity for a pardon prior to President Bush leaving office.  Presidents generally issue any controversial pardons at the end of their terms.

Incoming President Obama has also signaled that the war on anabolic steroids might not be the best use of taxpayer funds or the best focus for government and law enforcement authorities.  Jones may have an opportunity for a pardon at a later date.