AOC blames ‘RACISM’ after Olympic sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson’s suspension for failed marijuana test
REP Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez blamed "racism" for Olympic sprinter Sha'Carri Richardson's suspension after her failed drugs test - saying anti-cannabis measures are a "colonial policy".
“The criminalization and banning of cannabis is an instrument of racist and colonial policy,” the progressive lawmaker wrote in a tweet on Friday calling out the International Olympic Committee reverse banning US sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson.
The run was provisionally scrubbed from the record books.
Her best of 10.72sec is the second-fastest in the world this year behind Beijing and London gold medallist Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce.
Cannabis was banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) as of Jan. 1 this year and if detected an athlete could be banned up to four years.
The 21-year-old sprinter was positioned to lead Team USA into the Games later this month in Tokyo and could have been crowned the world’s fastest woman, won’t be reinstated until July 27.
While she will be scratched for the 100-meter race, Richardson may be able to compete and medal in the 4X100-meter relay.
The athlete confirmed she had used marijuana which resulted in her failed drugs test while grieving the recent passing of her mother.
“I apologize for the fact that I didn't know how to control my emotions or deal with my emotions during that time.
“Who am I to tell you how to cope? Who am I to tell you you're wrong for hurting?”
She added: "I just say don't judge me because I am human.
"I'm you, I just happen to run a little faster."
Richardson added: “If I’m allowed the blessing of competing, I am grateful but this is just one Games.
“This incident was about marijuana, not steroids. After my sanction is up I'll be back and able to compete.”