IAAF will ask banned Montgomery to return prize money, appearance fees

LONDON -- Tim Montgomery stands to lose a lot more than his world record and medals. The sprinter's ban for doping could also cost him as much as $1 million.

Track and field's governing body said Wednesday it will ask Montgomery to return all of his prize money and appearances fees since March, 31, 2001, including the $250,000 he earned for setting a world record in the 100 meters in 2002.

"The exact amount won't be known until we have worked out which competitions Tim needs to be disqualified from," IAAF spokesman Nick Davies said.

The International Association of Athletics Federations is studying Montgomery's results before settling on how much he needs to pay back.

Though he did not test positive for drugs, the American sprinter was banned for two years Tuesday for doping, based on evidence gathered in the criminal investigation of the BALCO steroid scandal and the testimony of fellow sprinter Kelli White.

Montgomery's big one-race payday came at an IAAF Grand Prix final in Paris in September 2002. The sprinter was paid $250,000 in prize money and bonuses.

While the IAAF studies Montgomery's earnings, estimates range from $500,000 to $1 million -- or more.

Montgomery became one of the most coveted runners after breaking the prestigious record. Svein Arne Hansen, director of the Golden League meet in Oslo, Norway, estimated Montgomery would have commanded an average of $40,000 in appearance fees per meet after that.

Hansen also said Montgomery would have collected about $15,000 for race victories during the entire 4 1/2-year period, and estimated a total earnings of more $500,000 but less than $1 million.

Based on appearance fees ranging from $25,000 to $50,000 per meet, Montgomery would have earned more than $700,000. Add in the $250,000 for his world record effort, and it's possible the sprinter earned closer to $1 million.

The IAAF rule book allows for the federation to seek the repayment of appearance and prize money. It does not say what would happen if an athlete refuses, but presumably the case could go to court or arbitration.

In any case, it is unclear if Montgomery has the means to pay it back.

World Anti-Doping Agency chief Dick Pound said going after athletes' prize money will "hit them where it hurts."

"It will be interesting if they don't return the money whether somebody who came second might sue them for it," Pound said.