Track star Marion Jones said in a letter to family and friends that she used steroids before winning five medals at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Jones is expected to plead guilty in U.S. District Court today in White Plains, N.Y., today to charges in connection with her steroid use, a federal law enforcement source told the Associated Press.

49ers’ Jennings out; Smith is optimistic

The Niners’ troubled offense just got a little more suspect: Starting left tackle Jonas Jennings is out of the lineup indefinitely for what coach Mike Nolan termed a “private matter.” Nolan did not disclose the nature of Jennings’ issue, only saying: “As always, our most important interest is in the well-being of our players.” Meanwhile, quarterback Alex Smith said he spoke with Dr. James Andrews about his separated right shoulder and is encouraged about returning in time to face the New York Giants on Oct. 21.