Greene disappointed by Jones's Zurich exclusion

ZURICH, Aug 6 (Reuters):Olympic 100 metres champion Maurice Greene expressed disappointment on Thursday over fellow American Marion Jones's exclusion from Friday's Zurich Golden League meeting because of doping allegations.

Jones, the triple Olympic champion, and compatriot Michelle Collins were told last week they were not welcome at the Letzigrund meeting, the fourth Golden League competition of the year.

The pair were informed by organiser Hansjorg Wirz that no athletes with doping allegations hanging over their heads would be allowed to take part in the meeting.

But Greene believes Jones was harshly treated.

"It is sad for our sport," he told reporters.

"She is a person who the fans love to see.

She doesn't have anything (doping charges) on her and they don't want her here.

I think it is a sad situation." Jones is under investigation by the U.S.

Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) after being accused by her ex-husband C.J.

Hunter of using drugs.

She has denied ever using a performance-enhancing substance and has not been charged.

When asked if he would have permitted Jones to compete, Greene responded: ''We have to abide by him (Wirz).

That is up to the meet director.

That is their business.

"My business is to come out here, run fast, put on a great show and win and that is what I plan on doing." Collins, the 2003 world indoor 200 metres champion, has been under investigation into doping offences since June.

World 100 metres record holder Tim Montgomery, Jones's partner, will not be at this month's Athens Games because of an ongoing investigation by the USADA into drug-related offences.

Greene has no sympathy for rival Montgomery and said: ''I don't feel sorry for anyone, people choose their own fate.'' Greene will bid for his first European win of the season on Friday when he faces Jamaican Asafa Powell, world champion Kim Collins of St Kitts and Nevis and Portugal's Francis Obikwelu in the final key meeting before the Olympics.