It’s insane how one small decision can have such a huge impact on your future. Sha’Carri Richardson has been banned for one month after testing positive for marijuana, forcing her out of the 100-meter race at the Tokyo Olympics.
American champion Sha’Carri Richardson has been suspended from the 2021 Tokyo Olympics because of a failed drug test for marijuana. It was revealed on Thursday night that the 21-year-old sprinter had failed a drug test and was at risk of being suspended for a month, which would force her to miss the Olympics. She revealed she was effectively banned from the event during an appearance on the Today Show on this morning (7/2).
Accepting a 30-day ban, Sha’Carri Richardson will be cleared to compete on July 27, which means she can realistically perform in the women’s relay race. However, she will miss the 100-meter race, which she qualified for by winning in trials with a time of 10.86 seconds.
Richardson recently revealed the death of her mother, claiming that she smoked marijuana as a method of coping with her loss. “I am human,” she tweeted last night before elaborating on television. “I was definitely triggered and blinded by emotions, blinded by badness, and hurting, and hiding hurt. I know I can’t hide myself, so in some type of way, I was trying to hide my pain.”
Because she completed a counseling program, her suspension was lessened from three months to one month. She hopes to be able to compete in the relay, saying, “I’m grateful, but if not, I’m just going to focus on myself.”
The move has triggered many different opinions from social media with some offering their support for Richardson but a other a little less sympathetic. Take a look at the reactions below and let us know what do you think about this?
I stand with Sha'Carri Richardson!! End the drug war and let her do what she does best!! She is an icon! The fastest woman in the world! Marijuana is NOT a performance enhancing drug. Let her run in the olympics! #ShaCarriRichardson pic.twitter.com/Ho3Ed8Xo5K
— ⚔️Molly Smash⚔️ (@chasetkach) July 2, 2021
#ShacarriRichardson it’s not about THC ,she’s a force and they are threatened by her Power
— ✌🏼rosanna arquette (@RoArquette) July 2, 2021
But when Michael Phelps tested positive for drugs they categorized it as a mental condition and gave him a multi-million dollar contract with TalkSpace #ShacarriRichardson pic.twitter.com/eVviTPxWJi
— Sophistiratchet (@toneisharenae) July 2, 2021
She literally used weed in a legalized state and it isn’t even a performance or enhancer drug. Ya just don’t wanna see black women win. #ShacarriRichardson pic.twitter.com/Q8m3nmPq6F
— Kat (@sayhellotokathy) July 2, 2021
Why would she smoke before the Olympics!? No matter how ridiculous the rules on marijuana are in the Olympic, you knew the damn consequences of testing positive! #ShacarriRichardson pic.twitter.com/nrUT76Y1yh
— 🕊️JOHN HENRY🕊️ (@__JohnHenry__) July 2, 2021
I know people who put the weed away just to secure a McDonald’s job and you telling me you can’t put a blunt away for the biggest moment of your life. Who’s her coach????
— Tasha Lizince (@TLizince) July 2, 2021
If I was #ShacarriRichardson I’d try flip this whole situation by getting some dispensary sponsorships and getting a farm while I’m hot , cause Shacarri packs gone sell especially if it gets you lit as fast she run .. 🤷🏽♂️ pic.twitter.com/dh94agKtlt
— GSMaserati (@GsMaserati) July 2, 2021
Don’t judge that girl cuz she smoked she been going through real life problems bigger than olympics and she achieved more than most could ever dream of… IM WITH YOU QUEEN… ROLL UP! #ShacarriRichardson pic.twitter.com/zVBRHSZGeo
— ICE In My Veins (@MrEverything919) July 2, 2021