U.S. hurdler Jones’ joke about check backfires

Jones posted a Vine video in which she pokes fun at a check she received for $741.84 in prize money from the U.S. Bobsled and Skeleton Federation.(CP/Darryl Dyck)

DES MOINES, Iowa — American hurdler and bobsledder Lolo Jones’ attempt at humour in a video that’s gone viral received a chilly reception from some members of the bobsledding community.

Jones posted a Vine video in which she pokes fun at a check she received for $741.84 in prize money from the U.S. Bobsled and Skeleton Federation. In the spoof, she picks up the phone and says, “I’m going to be a little bit late on my rent.”

And now, instead of concentrating on the U.S. athletics championships this week in her hometown, she’s explaining herself. She insisted it was simply a joke and has already talked to some of her bobsledding teammates.

She says, “none of the girl teammates I work with took offence.”

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