Warning: There is some NSFW language in this post.
In a heartbreaking and shocking turn of events, American sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson has been suspended for one month after testing positive for marijuana.
The U.S. Anti-Doping Agency announced the 21-year-old’s suspension Friday morning. The positive test invalidates her 100-meter dash victory at Olympic Trials last month, preventing her from competing in the race this summer at the Tokyo Games, where she would have been a medal contender. However, there is still a chance she could compete in the 4×100-meter relay, but right now, it’s unclear if that will happen.
Friday morning, Richardson spoke openly on the TODAY show about what led to her positive test for marijuana, which is legal in Oregon, where the Olympic Trials were held, but still prohibited in competition, per World Anti-Doping Agency rules.
I am human
— Sha’Carri Richardson (@itskerrii) July 1, 2021
She explained that while preparing to compete, she also was coping and in “a state of emotional panic” during trials after doing an interview in which the reporter told her that her biological mother died.
“It definitely was a very heavy topic on me,” she said. “And people don’t really understand what it’s like to have to… put on a face and have to go out in front of the world and hide my pain.”
Sha’Carri Richardson (@itskerrii) joins us live for an exclusive interview to discuss the positive marijuana test that’s put her Olympic future in limbo. pic.twitter.com/iVBp3zhvja
— TODAY (@TODAYshow) July 2, 2021
She received an abundance of support from fans, and several athletes — including Patrick Mahomes, Megan Rapinoe, Dwyane Wade and Gwen Berry —spoke out against the consequences she’s facing during this traumatic time.
This is so trash man… just let her run! https://t.co/tFY8omt215
— Patrick Mahomes II (@PatrickMahomes) July 2, 2021
But majority of y’all rule makers smoke and probably are investors in THC companies. Let’s stop playing these games https://t.co/hT3H6kw45T
— DWade (@DwyaneWade) July 2, 2021
Sending you love @itskerrii and support.
— Gwen Berry OLY (@MzBerryThrows) July 2, 2021
— VASHTI. (@vashtizzle_) July 2, 2021
This that bullshit. https://t.co/CAIHF0rRnC
— Damian Lillard (@Dame_Lillard) July 2, 2021
This shit makes me sick and is wrong on so many levels https://t.co/34ObXGRbPi
— Kevin Love (@kevinlove) July 2, 2021
This is bull Shxt……tbh
— Odell Beckham Jr (@obj) July 2, 2021
Weed is NOT performance enhancing..
— 🏁 Jamal Crawford (@JCrossover) July 2, 2021
@itskerrii pic.twitter.com/s45lb2WGJ8
— Natasha Cloud (@T_Cloud4) July 2, 2021
This is trash. Standing with @itskerrii 💯. This has BEEN outdated.
— Megan Rapinoe (@mPinoe) July 2, 2021
Feeling so terrible for @itskerrii right now. Just know, we are with you!!
— Alex Morgan (@alexmorgan13) July 2, 2021
if it ain’t crack let her run track
— Melo (@MELOD1P) July 2, 2021