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Jen Psaki Slams Decision To Keep Sprinter Sha'Carri Richardson Off The Tokyo Olympic Team
The suspension of United States runner Sha'Carri Richardson over her use of marijuana in the wake of her biological mother's death has been drawing lots of attention to the Tokyo Olympics and the legalization of marijuana.
The latest to voice their displeasure at the punishment leveled against the 21‐year-old track and field star is White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki during an interview on CNN.
The Press Secretary told CNN New Day anchor John Berman:
"It does stink...and I don't think there's a better definition of it."
You can see video footage here:
JUST NOW: "It does stink."\n\nWH @PressSec Jen Psaki on decision from US Track and Field to keep @itskerrii off Olympic relay team.\n\n(this after @POTUS last week said rules are rules over 100 meter ban.)pic.twitter.com/MpPfttDlv1— John Berman (@John Berman) 1625660616
Richardson's punishment—a 30 day suspension—meant the 21-year-old athlete could not compete in the 100-meter sprint in the upcoming Tokyo Olympics. She had a shot of being named to the 4 x 100 relay event but her name does not appear on the official USA Track and Field release.
During the interview, CNN's Berman recalled President Joe Biden said on Saturday the "rules are the rules".
Berman then noted this situation was:
"...beyond the rules"
Press Secretary Psaki echoed the sentiment, saying Richardson was "inspiring" and:
"[This is] not the end...maybe it's just the beginning of her story..."
Psaki stated:
"We know the rules are where they are."
"We certainly have to respect the role of the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency and the U.S. Olympic Committee in the decisions they make."
She added:
"But it is sad and we do wish her luck and look forward to seeing her running as the fastest woman in the world for years to come."
Psaki also fielded questions during her daily press briefing.
Psaki: I will also note that Sha'Carri Richardson is an inspiring young woman who has gone through a lot personally and she also happens to be one of the fastest women in the world and that\u2019s an important part of this story as wellpic.twitter.com/V0kBoeIoni— Acyn (@Acyn) 1625249310
Supporters of Richardson—and the national legalization of marijuana—continued to express their views online.
But you left out the part where Biden admitted that maybe the rules should be looked at and possibly changed in the future.— Connie Fleeger (@Connie Fleeger) 1625663833
Cannabis is a plant.— Marcia Marcia Marcia (@Marcia Marcia Marcia) 1625258458
pic.twitter.com/8cMTAP7SPg— Jreg Falun (@Jreg Falun) 1625258366
Cause they believe that the President should meddle in everything cause that\u2019s what Trump would do— Laura M (@Laura M) 1625318409
If we had any of those fancy marijuana stores around then I'd go ask the salesperson. If there is a type that would make me do anything faster then I'd buy an ounce.— FinallyBackToReality (@FinallyBackToReality) 1625255305
They (Olympic Committee) issued a 1 month ban. She could have still particpated. The US Olympic Team made the decision to leave her off the roster. This was a USA decision, where legalized marijuana is sweeping the nation. Lobbyist are the only reason is still federally illegal— Jon (@Jon) 1625713271
It does stink, because the rules stink. If it\u2019s not \u201cperformance enhancing\u201c and is legal where taken, no harm no foul. \n\nIt would only make sense if the Olympics added hot dog eating as a sport. Then test Joey Chestnut.— jim haigh (@jim haigh) 1625661264
Recreational marijuana is legal in 19 states, Washington DC and Guam. Medical use of marijuana is legal in 36 states, four out of five permanently inhabited United States territories and the District of Columbia.
While Sha'Carri Richardson will likely not run at the Olympics in Tokyo this year, we can hope this renewed conversation about the standards our athletes are held to—since the use of tobacco and alcohol are not monitored or pfohibited—has some positive impact.