A Fallen Hero

After apologizing to the media, the world, all the little girls that looked up to her, Marion Jones stated that her former coach Trevor Graham was the one that gave her her first "dose" of steriods. Even though this may be true, I simply believe that everyone is responsible for what goes in their mouth or body, don't you think?
Yes, there are pressures of being a professional athlete to be the best, fastest, and most popular- but is taking a performance enhancing drug the cost? In my opinion, an athlete who may be a "little" slower, who works hard in the weightroom, eats right, and doesn't party every weekend but most importantly DOESN'T take steriods- that's the real hero.
Where are the news stories about the athletes who have gotten to the top the right way? What about Nolan Ryan, Michael Jordan, or Troy Aikman? Alot of people are feeling sorry for Marion Jones, and saying that they should commend her for saying sorry and stepping up to the plate; I believe this is true to some respect- BUT has this ruined the face of track and field forever? Honestly it's going to be hard to look up to an athlete in the future without speculating that they are using some type of drug to be the best.
Marion Jones also announced that she is retiring from the sport as well; I think this is a smart decision for her as well as for the face of the sport. Making apologies YES does humble you a bit and relieve your conscience but I think the best thing for Marion Jones to do is stay out of the spotlight and concentrate on raising her children and possibly speak to local high schools about the dangers and consequences of taking steriods.