Athletics: Dope trial begins

The first trial involving the Balco steroid distribution scandal that rocked athletics and baseball began yesterday with former United States Olympic cyclist Tammy Thomas accused of perjury. Thomas pleaded not guilty to charges of perjury and obstruction of justice.

She is accused of lying in October 2003 to a federal grand jury looking into the Balco affair by saying she did not take performance-enhancing drugs.

This is the first Balco-related trial, but eight other people have pleaded guilty to Balco-related charges in exchange for reduced sentences.

Disgraced former athletics star Marion Jones began serving a six-month prison sentence this month for lying to authorities about doping and her role in a cheque fraud scheme.