Jones Says Public Opinion on Her Side

Marion Jones came to Jamaica to test herself in the 100 meters and long jump, at a meet close to home filled with international stars.

Yet no matter where she goes, the five-time Olympic champion has to deal with questions about BALCO and steroids. They came right at her again Thursday at a news conference in Kingston promoting the Jamaica International Invitational.

“It’s quite obvious that public opinion is on my side,” Jones said. “My agent and my manager have had plenty of calls from meets all over the world wanting to see me compete, and the meet directors don’t have any doubt that I’m a drug-free athlete and still want to invite me to their meets.”

Earlier Thursday, word came from Belgium that meet organizers of the European Golden League series want to hold off negotiating a collective deal with Jones and Tim Montgomery until they know more about the inquiries.

Two weeks ago, a news report said a $7,350 check from Jones’ bank account was written to BALCO founder Victor Conte. Jones said she had no knowledge of the check.

And two newspapers, quoting unidentified sources, reported that Conte told federal agents he gave steroids to Jones and Montgomery. The athletes and Conte deny it.