The Hindu : Sport / Athletics : USADA plans to seek life ban on Montgomery

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Friday, Jun 25, 2004

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Sport - Athletics

USADA plans to seek life ban on Montgomery

ATHENS, JUNE 24. The US Anti-Doping Agency plans to seek a lifetime ban on 100-metre world record-holder Tim Montgomery for alleged doping violations.

Montgomery was notified on Wednesday of the charges against him and the punishment he could face, according to two sources familiar with the letter who spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity.

Another track star, Michelle Collins, the 2003 World indoor champion at 200 metres and potential medallist at this year's Athens Games, also was notified USADA would seek to ban her for life, according to her lawyer, Brian Getz.

Montgomery is the boyfriend of three-time Olympic champion Marion Jones, and they have a nearly one-year-old son. Collins is a former training partner of Jones, who is being investigated for possible doping by USADA but has not been formally notified she is the target of a probe.

USADA confirmed only that it ``sent letters to several track and field athletes charging them'' with doping violations.

It's the first time the agency has filed charges against athletes without a positive doping test. USADA has built its cases on evidence from the federal probe of the Bay Area Laboratory Co-Operative.

Howard Jacobs, one of Montgomery's lawyers, accused USADA of ``McCarthy-like tactics in its efforts to ruin Tim's reputation.''

He didn't divulge details of the letter, saying only that it doesn't allege Montgomery ``took any banned substances.'' — AP

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