I think "I made a mistake" is always acceptable because we are human and everyone makes mistakes. Most of people's mistakes are deliberate actions at the time. Whether or not someone is forgiven is up to the forgiver, she can only apologize and move on. I don't know what else she could be expected to do? Her medals were taken away, etc.

I don't see how this is very different than all the baseball players and other athletes using drugs to enhance their performances. It's sad all the way around.

"she can only apologize and move on." yes, that's all she can do.
Yeah, it sucks for every one else. But I gotta tell you, I wouldnt' be surprised if the one that came in Second had used either............

I was thinking that too, Kat. I imagine they all have to knowing everyone else does. She and they all find ways to beat the testing system. But still......

"Is "I made a mistake" any kind of acceptable excuse?"

Yes, it is... everyone makes mistakes. And who are we to judge, anyways? She lost everything, and for her, that's HUGE.

Thank God mine aren't blasted all over tv....

Forgiveness isn't up to me; she didn't harm me.
It is up to those she wronged to forgive her.

Whether or not they do accept her apology, I think, is between them and her as is any judgement of what happened.

Just my opinion.

Lori

I didn't see her whole apology/speech, but I'm curious as to why after all this time did she come forward? Was her conscious just getting the better of her, was someone threating to turn her in or what?

I agree that mistakes are usually deliberate actions at the time, and if I was one of the runners that lost to her, I'd be furious. She was stripped of her medals, but for #2, their time in the sun is all done and no one remembers their name, only that they lost of Marion. Somehow I'm more disappointed in her then all the baseball players? I don't know why, guess since I used to be a fan of hers?

Sign my name to Lori's post, and I'm glad so many feel that way. I really hate to see the KT spiral into "just another constant people-bashing forum," so it restores my faith just a little to see decent, forgiving people step up and say, "Yes, we all make mistakes." Lord knows I've made my share!

I saw the interview, and wonder too, why now? It's been a long time since that contest.
Maybe I don't understand the excuse of "mistake" as it applies to her actions. Mistake to me, is not always something one chooses to do. She made a conscious decision to lie. Somehow I don't see that as a "mistake". I guess she's saying she made a "mistake" in judgement, but still.

I have a lot of respect for MJ. She told the truth. She came clean and lost her claim to fame. Who knows how her races would have turned out if she wasn't using steroids? She is clearly a superior athlete,she has a lot of talent, now she's shown she has good character. She told the truth.

I also agree with Lori... we all make mistakes which include deliberate actions that were poor choices. And we all have to live with those, and speaking as someone who has made some doozies that I wish I could undue, the worst part of it is living with those choices and trying to forgive yourself. I give her credit for coming forward and taking responsibility, how many of us could have done that?

Didn't they do some tests that weren't available when she won her medals? They were on their way to proving her guilty and "then" she came forward with an admission. I can't remember the particulars for sure.

She told Oprah it was her conscience.

In fact, evidence of her (and others) steroid use was found when BALCO was searched back in 2003. She 'fessed up when the perjury indictments started coming down. Her coach, Barry Bonds and cyclist Tammy Thomas are all awaiting trial on perjury charges.

I, too, am more disappointed in Jones than the baseball players. I think it's because I figured most millionaire baseball players were on the juice. I have this fantasy about Olympic athletes being wholesome amateurs. Maybe it's from all the feel-good profiles they run of the various athletes during the Olympic telecasts.

She got away with it for as long as she could. Confessed when it appeared jail was imminent, in hopes of getting a lighter sentence and less time away from her kids. She's done all she can do at this point. Confessed, apologized to her family, fans and fellow athletes. Now she'll do her time ... and probably write a bestselling book. I doubt her competitors will ever forgive her. Her mom, DH, and kids will though.

I think there is such widespread use of steroids that she's just the tip of the iceberg. She just had the guts and the conscience to stand up and admit it.