Jones shocked by positive drugs test

RALEIGH, North Carolina, Aug 21 (Reuters) Former triple Olympic champion Marion Jones today said she was shocked her initial drugs test from a sample taken in June was positive.

Jones added she had requested the testing of her second 'B' sample be dealt with quickly.

''I was shocked when I was informed about the positive 'A' sample,'' Jones said in the statement issued by her Los Angeles-area attorney Howard Jacobs.

''I have requested that the testing of my 'B' sample be expedited and done as soon as possible.

''I would also like to note that only my lawyers have the authority to speak on my behalf in this matter, and I will have no further comment until the results of the 'B' sample are released.'' The comments were the first by Jones since sources said last Friday she had tested positive for the banned blood-boosting drug erythropoietin (EPO) at the U.S. championships in Indianapolis in June.

Jones has repeatedly denied taking performance-enhancing substances and had never previously failed a doping test.

She had been under scrutiny by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) in connection with the BALCO laboratory doping scandal but has never been charged with a doping offence.

Jones's statement did not name the substance for which her 'A' sample was positive.

If her 'B' sample is positive, she faces a two-year ban from the sport under anti-doping rules.

A statement from her attorney said the adverse finding was on her June 23 'A' sample.

Jacobs has represented a number of U.S. athletes in anti-doping cases, including Jones's former partner Tim Montgomery.

Montgomery was banned from the sport for two years based on evidence from the BALCO scandal and his 2002 world record time of 9.78 for the 100 metres was expunged.

REUTERS SK BST0128