Jones's defamation trial delayed

2005-04-20 08:45

San Francisco - Marion Jones's defamation trial against Victor Conte was stayed on Tuesday until after the criminal case against the Balco founder is completed.

US District Judge Susan Illston granted a defence motion and ruled that Conte's Fifth Amendment rights against self incrimination would be damaged if the civil case proceeded before the criminal case is resolved.

Illston is also presiding over the Balco steroids scandal case in which Conte and three others were indicted in February 2004 for allegedly distributing steroids to prominent athletes such as Jones and San Francisco Giants baseball star Barry Bonds.

The criminal trial in the Bay Area Laboratory Co-Operative steroid-distribution case is tentatively scheduled to start on September 6.

The next hearing in the civil case is scheduled for October 21 or when the criminal case ends, whichever comes first.

"We respect the judge's decision and look forward to our day in court where Marion Jones will prove that Victor Conte made 'false,' 'malicious' and 'misleading' statements," said Jones' attorney, Rich Nichols.

Conte's lawyer, James Wagstaffe, was not immediately available for comment.

In a lawsuit filed in federal court in December, Jones alleges that Conte tarnished her reputation when he told a national television audience that Jones used performance-enhancing drugs before and after the 2000 Summer Games in Sydney, Australia, where she won three gold medals and two bronzes.

She is seeking $25m in damages.

Illston ruled that any damage to Jones by the delay could be addressed in monetary damages if she wins the case.

Conte, Balco vice president James Valente, track coach Remi Korchemny and Greg Anderson, the personal training for Bonds, face charges ranging from distributing steroids, possession of human growth hormone, money laundering and misbranding drugs with intent to defraud.

All have pleaded not guilty.

- AP