White Plains, N.Y. ? Marion Jones was sentenced Friday to six months in prison for lying about using steroids and a check-fraud scam, despite beseeching the judge that she not be separated from her two young children “even for a short period of time.”

“I ask you to be as merciful as a human being can be,” said Jones, who cried on her husband’s shoulder after she was sentenced.

The disgraced former Olympic champion was ordered to surrender March 11 to begin her term.

U.S. District Judge Kenneth Karas said he gave her the maximum under the plea deal to send a message to athletes who have abused drugs and overlooked the values of “hard work, dedication, teamwork and sportsmanship.”

“Athletes in society have an elevated status, they entertain, they inspire, and perhaps, most important, they serve as role models,” Karas said.

Later Friday, the judge sentenced Jones’ former coach, Olympic champion Steve Riddick, to 5 years and 3 months in prison for his role in the check-fraud scam.

The 31-year-old Jones also was given two years’ probation and supervised release, during which she will be required to perform 800 hours of community service.