Basketball Jones

"How come the things that make us happy, make us sad..."

Frankie Beverly - Joy and Pain

The WNBA franchise Tulsa Shock, have announced today the signing of Marion Jones, after she worked out for the team last Saturday.

2nd Childhood

Basketball is a sport that has opened many doors beyond anything I could ever envision...so when the Shock signed Jones, it made perfect sense, as I'm sure the game brings her the same satisfaction that I receive from it. Marion Jones was drafted in the WNBA with the Phoenix Mercury in 2003, but she never played.

She has been associated with controversy and negativity for taking performance enhancing substances, and while I understand to an extent the backlash...she admitted her wrong doing, served time in prison and has since moved forward with her life.

Basketball was her first love, as she helped led UNC to at 33-2 record, and the NCAA national championship as a freshman, so I find it refreshing that she's come full circle, getting back to her roots. She recently had her third child, however I believe Marion is up for this new challenge. I'm not sure how long she will play...but its really good to see her back on the court, and happy in her decision.

In a New York Times interview, she stated: I thought it would be an interesting journey if I decided to do this. It would give me an opportunity to share my message to young people on a bigger platform; it would give me an opportunity to get a second chance.

This is a win-win for both parties, as the WNBA can use her star power to promote the league, and Jones as we must remember is a human being and she deserves another opportunity at being the best she can be.