OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST DRUMMOND PLEADS INNOCENT TO DRUG CHARGE

Olympic gold medal runner Jon Drummond pleaded innocent Tuesday to a charge
that he transported seven pounds of marijuana last year.

Drummond, 33, a member of the U.S. 400-meter relay team that won a gold
medal during the Sydney Games, is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on
the felony count April 17. He remains free on $20,000 bail.

Members of an anti-drug task force arrested Drummond Oct. 23 as he was
leaving Los Angeles International Airport with a backpack containing the
marijuana. Defense attorney Victor Sherman has said Drummond had no idea
what was inside the backpack he picked up.

The relay team of Drummond, Maurice Greene, Bernard Williams and Brian
Lewis were criticized at the 2000 Olympics when they preened and flexed
their muscles during a victory lap and on the victory stand.

When they received their medals, the foursome clowned during the national
anthem. Drummond later apologized.

Their conduct led USA Track & Field, the sport's domestic governing body,
to begin drafting guidelines for behavior on the victory stand.

The USATF also ordered the four runners to speak to youngsters about what
happened and the need to take responsibility for one's actions.