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Why was Sha'Carri Richardson cut from Team USA Olympics relay team?

Sha'Carri Richardson had admitted to using marijuana to cope with the recent death of her mother

Sprinter Sha'Carri Richardson was recently subjected to suspension for testing positive for THC, a substance found in marijuana. Ironically, marijuana has been legalized in Oregon, where Richardson apparently smoked up while her Track and Field trials for the Tokyo Olympics were ongoing. However, since it is still enlisted as a prohibited substance at the Olympics, Richardson faced an immediate ban from the individual 100m event at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. She later admitted to using marijuana to cope with the recent death of her mother. 

Furious fans were still expecting that the 21-year-old athlete and top medal contender would be able to compete in the 4x100 m relay squad since the event will take place after her suspension expires. However, on July 6, 2021, the USA Track and Field (USATF) confirmed her non-participation in the relay event as well. Presently, Richardson is facing a month-long suspension for failing the drug test. After her ban was announced, a heartbroken Richardson posted the message "I am human" on her Twitter, sparking an uproar among fans against the Olympics committee. 

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'USATF’s excuse is nonsense'

Fans are now blasting USATF for leaving Sha'Carri Richardson out of the relay squad as well, arguing that she had the best numbers at the trials. The organization declared Gabby Thomas, Kendall Ellis, English Gardner, and Aleia Hobbs as part of the 4x100 m relay team in the newly released roster. They also issued an elaborate statement addressing Sha'Carri Richardson's ban.

The USATF stated, "We are incredibly sympathetic toward Sha'Carri Richardson's extenuating circumstances and strongly applaud her accountability - and will offer her our continued support both on and off the track. All USATF athletes are equally aware of and must adhere to the current anti-doping code, and our credibility as the National Governing Body would be lost if rules were only enforced under certain circumstances... While our heartfelt understanding lies with Sha'Carri, we must also maintain fairness for all of the athletes who attempted to realize their dreams by securing a place on the U.S. Olympic Track & Field Team."

However, many were not ready to accept Richardson's complete exclusion from the Tokyo Olympics as they lambasted USATF on Twitter. Author Keith Boykin reminded, "The 4x100 relay will take place in Tokyo on August 5 and 6, after Sha’Carri Richardson’s suspension expires. But USA Track and Field today chose not to include the nation’s best female runner on the Olympic relay team." Sports reporter Taylor Tannebaum tweeted, "USATF literally CHOSE not to have Sha’Carri Richardson run. There’s no woman who runs it faster. So they’re punishing her even after the suspension she’s serving as punishment for testing + for marijuana will be over. Hmm, sounds a lot like a justice system I know. Do better."

Human rights lawyer Qasim Rashid wrote, "In cruelly denying Sha’Carri Richardson her rightful spot on the Olympic 4x100 team, the USATF is reminding everyone that they've learned literally nothing from Jesse Owens, Tommie Smith, and John Carlos." "USATF’s excuse is nonsense. They should’ve at least tried to make a wrong right cause @itskerrii should’ve NEVER been suspended n the 1st place. She didn’t cheat. Weak move @usatf," a fan tweeted.