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US star athlete Sha’Carri Richardson, a Tokyo Olympics 2020 gold medal hopeful, was handed a 30-day suspension by the United States Anti-Doping Agency on July 1st after the American sprinter was found positive for marijuana.
Richardson, who accepted the suspension, later revealed that she used marijuana to cope with the sudden death of her biological mother when she was participating in the US Time Trials in Oregon.
Sha’Carri Richardson, who was raised by her grandmother, was made aware of the death of her biological mother by a reporter. She was quoted as saying by NBC:
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“It sent me into a state of emotional panic. I didn’t know how to control my emotions or deal with my emotions during that time. I greatly apologize if I let you guys down, and I did.”
ALSO READ: What does Sha’Carri Richardson’s ban mean for 100m women’s at Tokyo Olympics 2020?
Sha’Carri Richardson finds support from AOC, Patrick Mahomes, Seth Rogen
However, since then Sha’Carri Richardson has found support from politicians, actors, soccer stars, and other sporting figures. Here are the few celebrities and sporting stars who have come out in support of Sha’Carri Richardson.
#1 Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Cory Booker, Jamaal Bowman, Ilhan Omar
US Democratic House of Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has come out in support of Sha’Carri Richardson, stating that the suspension was because of 'racist and colonial policy.' She tweeted:
"The criminalization and banning of cannabis is an instrument of racist and colonial policy. The IOC should reconsider its suspension of Ms. Richardson and any athletes penalized for cannabis use."
That's not all, AOC wrote a letter with the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, Jamie Raskin, and sent it to the United States and World Anti-Doping Agency.
"This punishment, which is not supported by any scientific evidence, may prevent Ms. Richardson from competing in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics just after she inspired the country with her performance in the Olympic Trials last month. We are also concerned that the continued prohibition of marijuana while your organizations allow recreational use of alcohol and other drugs reflects anti-drug laws and policies that have historically targeted Black and Brown communities while largely condoning drug use in white communities,” the letter read.
AOC is not the only politician to back Sha’Carri Richardson. Cory Booker, Jamaal Bowman and Ilhan Omar also showed their support for Richardson.
#2 Seth Rogen
Actor and pot lover, Seth Rogen, showcased his support for Sha’Carri Richardson, stating that "the notion that weed is a problematic ‘drug’ is rooted in racism."
#3 Megan Rapinoe and Alex Morgan
Megan Rapinoe and Alex Morgan - US soccer stars, multiple world champions and vocal human rights activists - have also shown their support for Sha’Carri Richardson. Rapinoe, Morgan and their team-mates are currently in a fierce battle with the US Soccer Federation over equal pay. The team has also been very vocal about Black Lives Matter, LGBTQ rights and other human rights issues.
#4 Patrick Mahomes, Odell Beckham Jr, Ricky Williams, Richard Sherman
Many NFL stars have come out in support of Sha’Carri Richardson, including Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
He wasn't the only one as Odell Beckham Jr, Ricky Williams and Richard Sherman also spoke about it.
#5 Dwyane Wade
Former three-time NBA champion and Beijing Olympic gold medalist Dwyane Wade also came out in support of Sha’Carri Richardson too. Well known for philanthropic activities, Wade made headlines when he spoke publicly about his transgender girl, Zaya, and how the experience had opened his eyes.
Speaking to People, Wade said: "My daughter has allowed us gracefully to be her support system."
Also Read: What is Dwyane Wade's net worth now?
It was not unsurprising when Wade came out in support of Richardson.
#6 Adam Rippon
US figure skater Adam Rippon, who won a bronze medal at the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics, questioned how smoking marijuana would enhance Sha'Carri Richardson's performance and was disheartened by the suspension.
Richardson's suspension started on June 28, which means she will be available in time for the 4x100m relay at Tokyo Olympics 2020. However, whether or not she will be allowed to be part of Team US is still not clear.
