04/25/24
December 01, 2009
Marion Jones looking for comeback in WNBA: Former Olympic track star Marion Jones has been training with the staff of the WNBA's San Antonio Silver Stars in hopes of playing for the team next season. Jones is better known for being stripped of the three gold medals and two bronzes she won at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. She was the starting point guard for the University of North Carolina in 1994 when the Tar Heels won the national championship.
posted by wfrazerjr to basketball at 12:51 PM - 8 comments
Second chances are a large part of life for most of us all.
And, Marion Jones may be 34 years of age -- but she for sure is not "old." At 5' 10" 1/2 and 152 pounds, she is still youthful, ripped and ready. Let's don't forget, this woman is "World Class." In Track & Field, she has primarily been running forward (as opposed to the sharp cutting and jumping of basketball movements), and for the most past, was never seriously injured. Since she hasn't been playing basketball (in which she is quite capable of playing at the highest level), her legs/knees, etc., haven't been worn and torn down.
As a collegian, her basketball skill level was phenomenal. Its certainly not too late for her to hone those skills quite sharply once again. And quite importantly -- she is a competitor. She knows what's before her in this endeavor, and she's in it to win it. She's performed at the highest of stages, and she understands what few do: What it takes to be a Champion.
Yes, she cheated -- but sincere contrition and paying her debt to society also offer her the chance for redemption, renewal, and a life she can now lead as an example to others who have fallen and now risen with grace and dignity.
My life hasn't been anything close to perfect, and I certainly won't be casting even the smallest stone in her direction.
posted by naturalpro at 06:13 PM on December 01, 2009
They'll probably opt for the fast break offence, then?
posted by owlhouse at 06:24 PM on December 01, 2009
As a collegian, her basketball skill level was phenomenal. Its certainly not too late for her to hone those skills quite sharply once again.
Against players who never left the game after college, and who have been honing their skills against an even higher level of player ever since? It doesn't seem likely.
posted by lil_brown_bat at 10:53 PM on December 01, 2009
Has anyone told her that performance enhancing drugs are illegal in the WNBA too?
posted by irunfromclones at 12:54 AM on December 02, 2009
Let's don't forget, this woman is "World Class." In Track & Field
Don't forget that she's also "World Class" in lying and cheating...is that an Olympic event as well?
My life hasn't been anything close to perfect, and I certainly won't be casting even the smallest stone in her direction.
No one's life is perfect but we also aren't in the public eye to be scrutinized and made millions of dollars from cheating like she did.
posted by BornIcon at 11:25 AM on December 02, 2009
"Millions of dollars", really? She didn't play in the NFL. Did any track and field athlete ever make "millions of dollars"? Anyone got a cite on that?
posted by lil_brown_bat at 03:08 PM on December 02, 2009
posted by BornIcon at 03:23 PM on December 02, 2009
She's too old. Plus, I am still holding a grudge.