Kansas City Chiefs star quarterback Patrick Mahomes is the latest athlete to voice support for U.S. sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson.
Richardson did not make the United States Olympic team in the 4×100-meter relay on July 6. It was less than a week after her positive test for marijuana was revealed at the U.S. Olympic Trials in Eugene, Oregon. Richardson won the 100 meters final at the trials with a time of 10.86 seconds, but that result is now void due to her positive test.
The U.S. Anti-Doping Agency then announced that Richardson had accepted a one-month suspension with the ban beginning on June 28. “I want to take responsibility for my actions,” Richardson said. “I know what I did. I know what I’m supposed to do. I know what I’m not allowed to do. But I still made that decision. I’m not making an excuse.”
Richardson learned of her mother’s death during an interview ahead of the U.S. Olympic Trials in June. The event was “triggering” and “nerve-shocking.” To cope with the loss, she used marijuana to help alleviate the pain.
Since her ban, various athletes have voiced support for Richardson. Mahomes is the latest star to do so. Mahomes was on ESPN’s First Take Thursday and gave his thoughts about the situation.
“For her to be left off after all the hard work and dedication that she has put into the sport, and her to be one of those bright, young stars for the USA, it’s just disappointing that she got left off after she put in the work,” Mahomes said. “Even though she made a mistake like we all make mistakes… To not let her be at the Olympics at all is pretty ridiculous to me.”
