Blog Post #11: 30 for 30 "Marion Jones: Press Pause"

Marion Jones Summary and Analysis

Summary:

      In the 30 for 30 documentary, "Marion Jones: Press Pause" director John Singleton's main goal was to expose the mistreatment of track phenomenon, Marion Jones. Singleton also really wanted to learn about who she was and unravel the truth about her case. He hoped to display to the viewers how she worked hard to reshape her status and personal happiness as a professional athlete. Jones was not only a track sensation, but an all around athletic sensation in the eyes of America. Many people looked up to her and she inspired them to never give up. Marion Jones made it to the Olympics and won a total of 5 medals; 3 gold and 2 bronze outshining her competition immensely. It was rumored that Marion was using performance enhancing drugs that would increase her success. In numerous interviews, Jones denied any use of steroids and promised to her fans that she never has and never will use steroids to increase her skill. Later in her career, Marion revealed to the world with deep regret and shame that she had abused steroids. As a result of lying, Jones forfeit all of her medals and huge accomplishments and was sentenced to 6 months in jail. Many believed sentencing Marion to jail for using steroids was completely wrong, and was possibly only because of her race. Although Jones struggled through this period in her life she bounced right back into her life stronger than ever. She continued to develop her family and persisted in staying active/in good shape. Jones could never really accept the fact that she would no longer be able to do the sport she loves most or be considered a pro athlete ever again. Marion trained hard and long and pursued a career in basketball. Her hard work paid off after she was drafted into the WNBA and later excelled in the program. Marion Jones acts as a huge role model to so many young people and inspires them to never give up  on anything. By and large, Singleton's main intention was to expose the mistreatment of Marion Jones and how she persevered through her struggle and regained her positive image, personal happiness, and respect from others. 

Analysis:                                                                In my view, I agree that Marion Jones was unfairly treated and did not deserve the jail time that she received. Many other major athletes such as Barry Bonds and Lance Armstrong used steroids and were not sentenced to jail. Racism and sexism could have played a huge role in this case along with Jones' phenomenal  popularity and skill as not only a track athlete, but as an all around athlete. I believe that this is truly unjust because she was one of the only athletes that was penalized this harshly for using steroids which is nowhere near an actual or serious criminal act. Everything she worked for was demolished. This was partly and almost fully due to her decision to lie about her use of steroids, but it does not mean that she should have been forced to go to jail and face many unnecessary hardships along the way. I also agree that she rightfully earned her spot back into society as an athlete and as an all around person. Jones never gave up and strove to restore her positive image.