Dec 17, 2007
Chapel Hill, N.C. — The University of North Carolina plans to remove images of Marion Jones competing in the Olympics after the IOC's decision Wednesday to formally strip her of her five Olympic medals.
Jones admitted in court in October that she used performance-enhancing drugs.
The images of Jones are in the track Hall of Honor, school spokesman Steve Kirschner said Wednesday.
However, Kirschner said Carolina does intend to honor Jones' achievements while at the school. Her basketball jersey number, which is honored by the school, will continue to hang in Carmichael Auditorium. She played basketball for three seasons and averaged 16.8 points for her career. Her school track and field records will remain.
"Everything that's been in question was from the year 2000 on," Kirschner said. "She earned her place in Carmichael and in track and we feel those should stand."
Jones was a freshman guard on the UNC women's basketball team that won the 1994 NCAA titles.
Jones had already handed back the three gold medals and two bronze she won at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.