Disgraced Olympian Marion Jones makes a statement after her sentencing at the Westchester County Federal Courthouse yesterday in White Plains, New York.

WHITE PLAINS, New York (AP):

Marion Jones was sentenced yesterday to six months in prison for lying about using steroids and a check-fraud scam, despite beseeching the judge that she not be separated from her two young children "even for a short period of time".

"I ask you to be as merciful as a human being can be,'' said Jones, who cried on her husband's shoulder after she was sentenced.

The disgraced former Olympic champion was ordered to surrender March 11 to begin her term.

U.S. District Judge Kenneth Karas said he gave her the maximum under the plea deal to send a message to athletes who have abused drugs and overlooked the values of "hard work, dedication, teamwork and sportsmanship".

"Athletes in society have an elevated status, they entertain, they inspire, and perhaps, most important, they serve as role models,'' Karas said.

cheque-fraud scam

Later yesterday, Karas was to sentence Jones' former coach, Olympic champion Steve Riddick, who was convicted in the cheque-fraud scam.

The 31-year-old Jones also was given two years' probation and supervised release, during which she will be required to perform 800 hours of community service.

"As everyone can imagine, I'm very disappointed today,'' Jones told reporters outside the court. "But as I stood in front of all of you for years in victory, I stand in front of you today. I stand for what is right.

"I respect the judge's order and I truly hope that people will learn from my mistakes,'' added Jones.

The judge said Jones' community service requirement would take advantage of her "eloquence, strength and her ability to work with kids.''

It was her children that worried Jones as she pleaded for a lighter sentence, talking at length about her two boys, including the infant son she's still nursing.

"My passion in life has always been my family,'' Jones said. "I know the day is quickly approaching when my boys ask me about these current events. I intend to be honest and forthright ... and guide them into not making the same mistakes.''

The sentence completes a stunning fall for the woman who was once the most celebrated female athlete in the world. She won three gold and two bronze medals at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.

After long denying she ever had used performance-enhancing drugs, Jones admitted last October she lied to federal investigators in November 2003, acknowledging she took the designer steroid 'the clear' from September 2000 to July 2001.