USOC respects decision to strip Jones' teammates of medals

The United States Olympic Committee said it accepts the decision to strip Marion Jones' relay teammates of their 2000 Sydney Olympic medals.

The USOC also added it would not stand in the way of the 4x400-metre and 4x100m relay team members right to appeal the International Olympic Committee's move which followed an earlier decision to take away drug-tainted Jones' Olympic medals.

"We respect the decision of the IOC executive board," said USOC chief executive Jim Scherr on Thursday. "As well as the right for the athletes who are impacted by this decision to file an appeal with the Court of Arbitration of Sport.

"The decision illustrates just how far reaching the consequences of doping can be.

"When an athlete makes the choice to cheat, others end up paying the price, including teammates, competitors and fans."

The US 4x400m relay team won the gold medal and the 4x100m team won the bronze at the Sydney Summer Games.

Jones had already been stripped of three gold medals and two bronze medals by the IOC after admitting to doping.

Scherr said the priority should be on clean competitions.

"The situation underscores the importance of making decisions that are consistent with the ideals of fair play and clean competition," Scherr said.