Jewell: 'My name is ruined forever'

(CNN) -- Appearing Wednesday on CNN's 'Larry King Live', Richard Jewell bemoaned the loss of his "good name," which he said is gone forever due to reports which named him a suspect in the Olympic Park bombing.

"I want my name back," Jewell said.

Jewell, the security guard who found the Olympic Park bomb shortly before it exploded, described the circus-like investigation that ensued last year after the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported he was a suspect in the deadly blast.

He told King the FBI searched his apartment for 12 hours, taking his mother's Tupperware and destroying family photographs. Dozens of reporters camped out in a nearby apartment, monitoring his every move for days.

Federal officials later cleared Jewell in the blast that killed two July 27, but the former guard said his "name is ruined forever."

	View the Vivo movie Jewell remembers when he first became a suspect; to him, it remains a mystery as to why the FBI chose him. Part 1 Jewell talks about his NBC and AJC lawsuits and his blaming the FBI and the press for his tarnished image. Part 2
	Download a player Vivo's technical FAQ

Special section:

• CNN's Olympic Bombing Page

Related stories:

• Jewell feared media, electric chair - January 8, 1997
• Report: Richard Jewell to get more than $500,000 from NBC - January 3, 1997
• FBI chief can't explain media leaks in Olympic bombing - December 19, 1996
• $500,000 reward offered for Olympic Park bomber - December 9, 1996
• Reno knew of 'concerns' in Jewell investigation - October 31, 1996

Related site:

• CNN Programs: Larry King Live
• FBI site on the bombing

Tell us what you think! You said it...

© 1997 Cable News Network, Inc.
All Rights Reserved.

Terms under which this service is provided to you.