- "Don’t judge me because I am human," Richardson told Savannah Guthrie on the "Today" show. "I’m you — I just happen to run a little faster."
The big picture: Several athletes have spoken out about their mental health struggles, including names such as Olympic gold winner Michael Phelps — who was suspended in 2009 for being pictured smoking from a bong — and tennis star Naomi Osaka. Many are addressing the fact that leagues lack any sort of accommodations for mental health.
- "U.S. leagues have said within the last few years they would embed a better infrastructure for players to readily have mental health professionals," Axios' Marisa Fernandez writes.
- While research on the role of marijuana in mental health is still inconclusive, patients have reported it has been beneficial for helping them treat mental illness, including post-traumatic stress disorder.
What she's saying: "We all have our different struggles, we all have our different things we deal with, but to put on a face and have to go out in front of the world and put on a face and hide my pain," Richardson said.
- "Who are you? Who am I to tell you how to cope when you're dealing with a pain or you're dealing with a struggle that you've never experienced before or that you never thought you'd have to deal with. Who am I to tell you how to cope? Who am I to tell you you're wrong for hurting?," she added.
- "If I'm allowed to receive that blessing [compete in the Olympics] then I'm grateful for it. But if not, right now I'm just going to focus on myself."
Nike released a statement following the reports of Richardson's failed drug test, saying that she would remain as part of the company: "We appreciate Sha'Carri’s honesty and accountability and will continue to support her through this time."
- Other pro-athletes came out in support, including Olympic gold medalist Michael Johnson: "I don’t know why marijuana is banned. Maybe a good reason. Maybe not. I know how it feels to lose a parent. Indescribable pain!"
- NFL player Myles Garrett pointed out that "[w]hat’s really crazy is this probably won’t even be [an] issue by the next [O]lympics," considering the continued destigmatization of the drug.
Between the lines: Richardson took the drug in Oregon, where the substance is legal. However, the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency is required to adopt the policies from the World Anti-Doping Agency, which has it listed as prohibited to use in competition.
- Cannabis poses a health risk to athletes, has the potential to enhance performance and violates the spirit of sport, according to WADA.
- WADA says it is an enhancing drugs because it "reduces anxiety, allowing athletes to better perform under pressure and to alleviate stress experienced before and during competition."
- "Richardson’s period of ineligibility was reduced to one month because her use of cannabis occurred out of competition and was unrelated to sport performance, and because she successfully completed a counseling program regarding her use of cannabis," the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency said.
What's next: While Richardson won't be allowed to participate in the 100-meter race, she could still run the 4x100-meter relay if selected for Team USA, ESPN reports.
