Sha’Carri Richardson Could Appeal Suspension But Doubt It Gets Overturn, Says Attorney
The U.S. Anti-Doping Agency suspended Sha’Carri Richardson for testing positive.
The USADA announced the suspension Friday after marijuana was found in their system, invalidating Richardson’s performance in the United States. Olympic trials in Eugene, Oregon, where she won the women’s 100-meter race. The suspension will also prevent the 21-year-old from participating in her landmark event in the Tokyo Olympic Games later this month.
Richardson apologized on the ‘Today Show’ on Friday morning, taking responsibility for the positive test.
“I know what I did. I know what I’m supposed to do. I know what I’m allowed not to do, and I still made that decision,” she said.
Richardson told the program that she used marijuana after an interview with a reporter in which she informed her that her birth mother had died.
President Joe Biden told reporters on Saturday that he supported the decision to suspend runner and sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson from the 2021 Olympic race after she was tested positive for marijuana.
“The rules are the rules,” he said, adding, “I was really proud of the way she responded.”
On Friday evening, Marlon Hill (ESQ), a business lawyer, was on Clubhouse in the Pro Sports Network room. Fabian Lyon hosted the Game Changers With Fabian Lyon. During the chat, Hill shared that Richardson could challenge the ruling of the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency.
“That ability is for anyone in the world if they feel that a wrong has been done against the right that they believe that she has, and that right is for her to compete. So, there is a process, and if I were her legal team or part of her coaching team. You would evaluate the evidence and the facts, but the likelihood of it being overturned is doubtful,” said Hill.
“However, she has the right to appeal if she feels potentially they could make a decision otherwise. And if it does, it will set a precedent for other athletes in terms of what the rules are.”
Joe Pompliano of readhuddleup.com tweeted that weed is legal to smoke in 19 plus states, including Oregon, where Richardson tested positive.
“It’s legal to recreationally smoke weed in 19+ states, including the one where Richardson tested positive, while the NFL, NBA, and MLB have softened their stance. But we’re still going to stop an Olympian from competing due to a non-performance-enhancing drug? Makes no sense.”
Four-time gold medal winner Sue Bird agrees.
Comedian Seth Rogen also came to Richardson’s defense.
“The notion that weed is a problematic ‘drug’ is rooted in racism,” Rogen wrote. “It’s insane that Team USA would disqualify one of this country’s most talented athletes over thinking that’s rooted in hatred. It’s something they should be ashamed of. Also, if weed made you fast, I’d be FloJo,” he said, referencing Florence Griffith Joyner, an all-time-great Olympic runner to whom Richardson has been compared.”
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